This year the Loveland Initiative will host a 2009 Annual Back to School Backpack Drive. Thank you for your generous support you have given to the Initiative for the 2008 Drive. We are asking for your support once again. The Initiative wants the Loveland community 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 Friday August 21, 2009. 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 Friday August 14th. Drop off items on these days and times;July 22,24,29,31 - 12:00pm-4:00pm and July 22,23,28,29 - 6:00pm-8:00pm. August 5, 7, 12, 14 - 12:00pm-4:00pm and August 3, 4,9,10 - 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Loveland Fireman’s VFW Hall 227 East Loveland Avenue Loveland, Ohio 45140

Directions start at the Premier Tumbling & Dance on the corner of West Loveland Go Down W. Loveland Ave Go across the bridge Go straight through the second light that is E. Loveland Go about ¼ miles up the road The VFW is on the left It has a sign out front and an American Flag

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 lovelandinitiative@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your help!

Terri Rogers,

President

Backpack Program