Philadelphia

Foster Kids Benefit from the VYH & DHS Backpack Challenge – The Backpack Challenged Was A huge Success!!

September 8, 2014 by HughE Dillon

It’s back to school for Philadelphian kids today. Thanks to the Backpack Challenge which was a ​collaborative
​community effort​, spearheaded by Valley Youth House and the
Philadelphia Department of Human Services, ​to collect backpacks, school
supplies, and funds for undeserved and kids in foster care through the
Achieving Independence Center again this past summer.

At
the Kick Off in late July, the public was invited to attend to show their support and
learn more about the campaign. Rapper Chill Moody (left), a longtime supporter of Valley Youth House, Chunky and
Bex from Wired 96.5’s The Big Show MC’d the day’s event.

From late July til the
last week in August people and organizations collected the back packs and donations at over 90 sites around town. 2,500 backpacks and $15,000 was collected to support foster youth as they enter high school and college this fall.

 Two weeks ago the students, and supporters gathered to hand out the back packs, filled with essential school supplies so the kids had a head start on the school year.

 Wired 96.5’s The Big Show and Chill Moody were on hand again to help out at the celebration.

 Valley Youth House president Annette Duranso greets the guests and encourages participation in the initiative.

 A student who utilized the programs offered to her through Valley Youth and DHS, told her peers that they had the power to change their lives. Use the programs that are available for you and you will succeed.

 

 There was a contest to give away Made in American tickets.

Five Below also raised an additional $5,600+ over the 2,169 backpacks donated through their stores.
 Most kids were able to pick out their favorite colors.
 Volunteers hand out the new school bags to the kids.
 Excited for their new school bags.

 

 Students at the party after receiving their back packs.
Katelyn Joyce, Kevin Colahan, David Gloss, Here’s

My Chance and Valerie Johnson, Valley Youth House. Gloss spoke to the youth attesting “Know

you’re truth, not what others tell you, but aspire to believe in what you believe you should be.”

At the end of the program Wired 96.5’s Big Show ice cream truck gave out treats to everyone.