Wellpoint Care Network expands Back-to-School Bash with 2,000 backpacks

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — With the new school year approaching, Wellpoint Care Network is helping Milwaukee-area families get ready through its annual Back-to-School Bash.

To celebrate the organization's 175th anniversary, Wellpoint is expanding the event to multiple locations and dates this year.

In partnership with UMOS and Ross Employment Solutions, organizers are distributing 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Wellpoint leaders said the goal is to ease some of the financial stress families face ahead of the school year while helping students return to the classroom with confidence.

"For many families, we know that the start of school can be very stressful and we know that every child wants to start the school year with confidence," said Reggie Newson, president and CEO of Wellpoint Care Network. "We want to make sure they have everything they need."

Saturday's event ended at 2 p.m., but additional giveaways are scheduled throughout the coming week.

The next event will be held Aug. 10 at the Milwaukee Police Department's District 7 station on Fond du Lac Avenue.

Additional events are scheduled Aug. 13 at UMOS on Chase Avenue and Aug. 14 at Ross Employment Solutions on Brown Deer Road.