FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
One More Child Partners with Bealls to Distribute Backpacks to Children Returning to School
Children served by One More Child receive backpacks and supplies as they return to the classroom
LAKELAND, Fla., August 28, 2024 – As students return to the classroom for the new school year, One More Child distributed backpacks and school supplies to children in multiple cities throughout Florida.
In partnership with One More Child, Bealls donated 2,300 backpacks to be given to children at part of the annual Before-the-Bus event.
The children and families who attended are served through at least one of One More Child’s ministries, which include foster care, single moms, family support, child hunger and anti-trafficking programs.
“We are so grateful for this generous donation of backpacks from Bealls,” said Dr. Leon Battle, vice president of strategic partnerships. “In addition to providing supplies, their amazing team joined us on site to personally distribute items to children heading back to school. Although the children really need these supplies, what we ultimately want them to receive is a message of hope and support from people who truly love them and want them to succeed.”
Multiple businesses and individual donors contributed to the event along with teams of volunteers who handed out backpacks, interacted with children and served food. Events were held at One More Child’s global headquarters in Lakeland as well as locations in Bradenton, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Jacksonville.
About One More Child:
One More Child operates in 26 states and 19 countries around the world, meeting the needs of foster children, hungry children, single moms, struggling families, and sex-trafficked children and teens. In 2023, One More Child provided direct services to 250,259 children and individuals while impacting an additional 143,334 individuals through advocacy, trainings, awareness and volunteering. One More Child provided more than 19 million meals nationally and globally. For more information visit www.onemorechild.org.
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One More Child staff and volunteers provide children with backpacks and supplies as they return to school.
Children are greeted by One More Child President and CEO Dr. Jerry Haag, One More Child Advocate Christi Haag and Bealls Community Outreach & Philanthropy Coordinator Krystel Beall (center).