The Loveland Initiative will host a 2008 Annual Back to School Backpack program. Thank you for your generous support you have given to the Initiative at our 2007 program. We are asking for your support once again. The Initiative wants Epiphany United Methodist Church to be sponsors of this program. We like for your members to fill backpacks with school supplies, for school age children, grades preschool through high school.

Our goal is to make sure that every child starts off the school year with proper school supplies. We feel that children are more optimistic and encouraged to start the school year with fresh new backpacks and supplies. The Initiative wants to reduce peer pressure, improve self-esteem so that our children become more successful in school. We also like to reduce stress for families working hard to provide for their children.

The Back to School Backpack Program was created to help low-income families in Loveland who are struggling with their financial situation to make ends meet due to job layoffs and fewer benefits received in the home. The Initiative serves 200+ families living in low income housing and there is another 200+ surrounding families classify as the working poor in Loveland. These Families consist of men and women who are disable and the sole providers for their children, elderly citizens, but the majorities are single parent households.

The Initiative fills backpacks with school supplies based on a list distributed by school teachers. Low-income families in Loveland will pre-register their children to receive a backpack and supplies. Backpacks will be distributed on Thursday August 21, 2008. The children will be able to come and personally pick out their own backpack and leave with smiles on their faces. We also replenish school supplies in December. Deadline for Backpacks and School supplies Monday August 18th. Drop off items on these days and times; Monday’s 6:30pm-8:00pm and Thursday’s 3:00pm-5:00pm at the Loveland Initiative Center 405 Loveland Madeira Road Loveland, Ohio 45140 in the strip mall across from goodwill.

The backpack Program is a great asset to our community. The Initiative is healthy and going strong because of the time and effort that the community gives back. We are confident that our community will come together to help the children and families in Loveland. You can be part of something really positive, really vital; something that really changes people's lives and our community in a major way. Please feel free to call or e-mail trogers7@fuse.net with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your help!

Terri Rogers,

President

Backpack Program