While teachers prepared classrooms, island residents and businesses were also getting ready for the school year. Helpline House’s Project Backpack sent 146 students back to school with community donated backpacks and enough supplies inside to start the year off right.

Helpline House volunteers share in the excitement as backpacks are selected by the children. Two little girls sat on the porch steps, looking through their bags: “Look what I got. Isn’t this cool?” Music to a volunteer’s ears.

It takes many generous people to make this drive a success. Seventeen volunteers donated approximately 115 hours of their time and contributions totaled nearly $10,000.

Bainbridge Island Winder-mere agents donated $2,500 for the purchase of gift cards, and underwrote the cost of an automotive-themed calendar of drawings by Ordway’s Henry Vandersluis.

Seven BHS students donated 52 hours selling the calendars and thanks to Jim Peek and everyone who displayed their classic cars this summer. Westside Pizza donated pizza.

Barbara Clarke

Helpline House Board