Volunteers deliver thousands of backpacks to MPS students ahead of school year

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Fifteen Milwaukee schools received a delivery of more than 4,000 filled backpacks on Monday, Aug. 4, as part of an annual partnership between the Milwaukee Building Trades Council and United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.

The backpacks, stocked with school supplies, were distributed to help families prepare for the upcoming school year without added financial stress.

"Prices of everything are increasing and that includes school supplies,” said volunteer manager Sarah Kiefer.

“So, when back-to-school time comes and parents have to make that decision of 'Do I spend $100 on back-to-school supplies, or do I put that $100 toward rent for next month?' Or maybe a car broke down. We are just able to alleviate that financial burden for students in our community."

In 2023, organizers distributed 8,232 backpacks to Milwaukee Public Schools students. Organizers say that number is expected to remain consistent again this year.