St. John's backpack project prepares kids for school

FALLBROOK – On Aug. 9, almost 300 children and their families came by invitation to a party at the Fallbrook Food Pantry to receive filled backpacks provided by St. John’s Episcopal Church. The kids each received a new backpack and a coupon for a pair of shoes from Payless. Backpacks were filled with pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, folders, a dictionary, and a calculator for older students. Then they were able to choose a book from a table laden with good reading.

The party was the culmination of a four-month effort by St. John’s church, led by Fr. Leland Jones and outreach chairs Mike McCormick and Mary Manesis.

“Last year we did 30 backpacks, but this year we made the big leap of faith to try to provide 300,” said Father Leland Jones, interim rector of St. John’s. Many Fallbrook community organizations, businesses, and individuals helped with contributions and volunteers. A highly successful luau at the church also helped to raise funds. St. John’s members are planning to make the backpack gifts an annual event.