SerpApi.Org
Northern Michigan families can receive free backpacks for students this weekend.
For the 14th consecutive year, more than 140,000 students and families across the U.S. will receive backpacks heading into back-to-school season, according to a news release.
Round Room LLC, one of the country’s largest Verizon authorized retailers, will give away more than $3 million worth of backpacks at its stores.
The School Rocks Backpack Giveaway starts at 1 p.m. Sunday at participating TCC and Wireless Zone stores, including:
- 1505 Benzie Highway (U.S. 31), Benzonia
- 85 Cypress St., Manistee
- 2770 Silver Lake Road, Suite 3, Traverse City
Families are invited to attend their local event to receive a free backpack, with one backpack available per child present while supplies last. Since its inception, the initiative has gifted more than 1.6 million backpacks to families across the country.
“Back-to-school costs continue to put pressure on many families, and something as simple as a backpack can make a meaningful impact,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room. “For 14 years, our backpack giveaway has been one of the most memorable days of the year for our employees, franchisees and local communities, as we come together to help students start the school year with confidence. Backpacks are essential for students and we’re grateful we can give families one less thing to worry about.”
Additionally, this year, dozens of students will be “Golden Ruler” recipients, winning additional funds for back-to-school essentials.
Highlighting the golden rule of treating others with kindness, 47 randomly selected stores across the country will have one backpack that contains a golden ruler keychain. Those who receive this backpack will also be given a $250 Visa gift card that can be used for other school necessities such as new shoes, lunch boxes or writing supplies.
Families are expected to spend an average of $922 on back-to-school supplies this year, and nearly half of parents expect to spend more than they did last year, according to a new report by PwC cited in the news release.
Round Room said it is committed to philanthropy.
The company has donated more than $11 million through its community grant program, benefiting more than 2,000 local nonprofits, according to the release.
