CEAP News

CEAP is teaming up with Brookdale Center and Northtown Mall to host its 2009 Back to School program.

CEAP’s annual Back to School program will again help local children, grades K-8, get the packpacks and school supplies they need for the 2009-10 school year. Come to the charity’s tables from August 7th - 16th at Northtown Mall, and from August 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd at Brookdale Center, to inquire about the program and adopt a child. Shoppers who visit can choose a tag identifying the name, age, gender and grade of a child in need. Then shoppers gather appropriate supplies and bring them back to the table for distribution.

Last year CEAP was able to prepare and distribute nearly 3,000 backpacks to local families! And if food shelf usage is any indicator, the number of families in need of school support this year will be even higher. CEAP has seen a 25% increase in food shelf usage this year when compared to 2008. They’ve given nearly 88,500 more pounds of food this year than at this time last year. That’s an extraordinary difference.

In addition to visiting the malls, people are welcome to host school supply drives or give monetary donations. Supplies need to be dropped off at either CEAP office by August 21, 2009.

CEAP also needs volunteers to help with collection and distribution of Back to School donations. If you are interested please call Tammy at 763-450-3679.

If you or someone you know is in need of school supplies for their children this fall, or if you have questions about the program please call Annetta at CEAP’s Brooklyn Park office, 763-566-9600, Tom at CEAP’s Blaine office, 763-783-4930.