Local groups come together for back-to-school giveaway

ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 )– The United Group of Companies and Capital City Rescue Mission are working to help Capital Region students by collecting school supplies for a backpack giveaway. The backpack and supply drive organized by Capital City Rescue Mission will be held Monday, Aug. 12, and Tuesday, Aug. 13, at The Apex at Crossgates, located at 6 Crossgates Mall Rd.

Supplies like spiral notebooks, crayons, markers, pencils, glue sticks, and more are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. USA Today reported that the average price needed for school supplies is $874.68 in 2024, the second-highest cost in history.

Attendees and donors can participate in activities such as bracelet making, massages, and writing back-to-school cards for students. Capital City Rescue Mission will give away backpacks during a giveaway party on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Capital City Rescue Mission Executive Director Perry Jones said the organization knows the challenges of equipping children with the supplies they need for school, and their priority is getting kids to school. “Everyone knows that a good education can make all the difference in life,” Jones said.

“Having the pencils, crayons, backpacks, and other items needed in the classrooms means that kids don’t feel left out and can focus on school,” Jones continued. “Parents have enough other things to worry about.”

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