Backpack initiative helping Sudbury parents with back to school supplies

Students in Sudbury are heading back to school this morning, and one local church is helping to make sure they're ready for the first day of class.

Glad Tidings Church held its backpack initiative for the second year in a row.

Working with principals from two local schools, the church donated backpacks and school supplies. The kits also included lunch bags and running shoes.

Leanne Parks, who organized the initiative, says supplies like lunch bags and running shoes can be expensive, especially for large families.

"These are supplies that kids don't automatically get, and for a family to go and supply two, three, four kids with what they need to start the school year, it's a big burden on finances for some families," Parks said.

"I remember, as a parent of four kids, how expensive it can be going back to school," Parks said. "And there's a lot of pressure to make sure they have what they need."

Added to that are the first-day jitters, she said.

"Everyone remembers what the first day of school is like nervous and wanting just to be like everybody. And just to have the same start that everybody else has is, I think, important to kids."

Parks said they purchased and filled 135 sets for kids.

And although the church isn't looking for recognition from the kids who've received the kits, Parks said principals have been grateful for the donations.

"There's something special about walking into a school and being able to bless them with that."