Hundreds Of Detroit Kids Receive Free Backpacks
DETROIT (WWJ) - Backpacks chock-full of school supplies were given to 900 Detroit-area families Tuesday morning, as part of a program by Huntington Bank and DMC Children's Hospital now in its fourth year.
Director of Ambulatory Services Bob MacKenzie said they are seeing more families in need over the past five years, given the economy.
"As part of what we do in assessing the needs of every child, we're looking at those psycho-social needs that child might need to support them, help them in their overall well-being," MacKenzie said. "You know, any parent feels better when they know that their child has the tools that they need to be more successful."
for Shana Cantrell, a new backpack is one less item on her back to school list for her daughter Amina.
"Having a nice, pretty backpack will really stimulate her because she loves colors. Her favorite color is yellow, but this is good ... she likes pink, too.
The bank's annual "Backpack Index" finds parents are spending six percent more to send their kids back to school this year.
