Chick-fil-A hosts 13th Bucks for Backpacks drive

Chick-fil-A’s two Wilson locations are gearing up for Tuesday’s annual backpack fundraiser.

For the 13th year, operator Christy Proctor has a familiar birthday wish  — to raise money for free backpacks for Wilson County students. Chick-fil-A Executive Director of Engagement Tracy Wellington said this year’s campaign has a bigger goal than ever.

“The goal is always whatever age she (Proctor) is plus zero,” Wellington said. “She started when she turned 40, so we wanted to collect 400 backpacks. This year, she’s turning 53, so we want to collect 530 backpacks. To date, we’ve collected over 7,000 backpacks for Wilson County Schools. For the most part, we’ve exceeded our goal. What makes it difficult now is that backpacks have doubled in price, just like everything else.”

Proctor went to college for elementary education. Outfitting students with gear to meet their needs has been a priority for her ever since.

“We give all the money to Wilson County Schools, and they buy them in bulk. It comes with composition notebooks, crayons, markers, pencils — you name it, it’s already in the backpack,” Wellington said, adding that $25 will pay for a stocked backpack. “We just ask everyone eat with us that day or make a donation.”

Along with direct donations, a portion of proceeds from both Wilson locations will support Tuesday’s fundraiser.

“We’re really just trying to keep some excitement around the day,” Wellington said. “We’ll be sampling our new and returning seasonal items throughout the day. Team members will also be out with donation buckets in the drive-thru.”

The post Chick-fil-A hosts 13th Bucks for Backpacks drive first appeared on Restoration NewsMedia .