Families Line Up For ‘Backpacks For Success’

[undeterred]

MADISON, Wis. -- Hundreds lined up Saturday morning at a local Madison park for the annual "Backpacks for Success" giveaway from the group "100 Black Men of Madison."

For many students, this event gives them the tools they need to be ready for school. Families throughout the country are struggling during difficult economic times. However, hundreds of kids are getting what they need to succeed in the classroom, as their families get the support they need to make ends meet.

Second grader Marc Prado and his mom waited for their chance to receive a backpack filled with school supplies, just in time for the start of the school year. “We waited about an hour and a half, but it's ok,” said Ruth Prado, Marc’s mother. Marc is one of at least 1,600 students who will be prepared for the school year, thanks to the 100 Black Men of Madison’s program.

“Over the last 12 years, we've given away 15,000. This year we'll add to that another 1,600 to 1,700,” said 100 Black Men of Madison President Wayne Canty. As the economy has worsened, the need for assistance has been on the rise.

“The last two years have been really high for us, as far as the need. I think because of the economy, a lot of folks are suffering. Even folks who historically have not had the need I think are in the lines and are here,” said Canty.

Marc is the youngest of six kids, and while he's the only one in elementary school needing school supplies in his family, his mom says stretching every penny helps.

“Yeah, it's a big help right now with the economic situation. It's a lot of good help for a lot of people,” said Prado.

For Marc, each item in the backpack is a surprise, and another reason to get excited for the start of school. It's the reason 100 Black Men of Madison have continued the event for 13 years, getting kids ready to start the school year right.

“I see a lot of the kids walking to school, with the backpacks, and I just start smiling because they look excited and happy to be going with the new backpack and supplies,” said Canty.

Unfortunately, the need is so great, it took just a couple hours before all the backpacks were distributed and people had to be turned away. If you want to find out how you can help, visit 100blackmenofmadison.org.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/20512168/detail.html

Great to hear some good news about people helping each other.

[elocs]

1. Here's the first K&R for good news out of Wisconsin. n/t

[NYC_SKP]

2. k

r

[Lucy]

3. Very Nice

Link: http://www.100blackmenmadison.org