(Trenton) – Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-Middlesex, Somerset) has sponsored another year of his annual backpack drive and donated over 1,200 backpacks to children in need throughout the 17th Legislative District. With the number of people still struggling in this post-pandemic economy, Danielsen strived to reach even more families this year and ensure each child has the supplies they need to succeed this 2022-2023 school year.
Throughout the summer, his office collected backpacks, colored pencils, glue sticks, personal hand sanitizer, highlighters, pencil cases/pouches, pens, pocket folders, spiral and composite notebooks, and rulers.
The immense reach of the backpack drive would not be possible without the help of individuals and groups who donated these supplies at the drop-off locations, and volunteers who helped assemble the backpacks and supplies for the children.
“The backpack drive is essential for the communities within Legislative District 17, as many families cannot afford the expensive cost of school supplies this year,” said Danielsen. “By providing school supplies for the children in our community, we are ensuring that our young students have the tools they need to excel in their education during the school year.”
Along with all the individual donations from people throughout the 17th Legislative District, he following groups were instrumental with their donations and their assistance with organizing and distributing the backpacks: Piscataway Elks, FMBA Local 88, the Milltown Democratic Club, Sterling Point Community organization, AIMS Education, the Cornerstone Christian Church in Somerset, the Center Peace Counseling, Somerset Run Community, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, and the American Institute
The libraries in Franklin Township, North Brunswick, and Piscataway provided drop-off locations at their local branches.
For any questions about the backpack drive, please do not hesitate to contact the district office at 732-247-3999 or at asmdanielsen@njleg.org.