By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — BeMobile Claremont continues its charitable endeavors this month with the 11th Annual Backpack Giveaway, which will provide free backpacks loaded up with school supplies and distributed to schoolchildren in the community.
Store Manager Bret Sorter explained that the giveaway, which takes place July 29 through 31, is in its third year at the Claremont branch. He said that by taking part in the event three years ago, it was clear how much need there was in the community. Sorter worked with corporate to double the amount of backpacks they received, amounting to 300, and said this year they will have that amount or more.
Sorter said the event has been a success in past years and is looking forward to helping the community once again.
“It has gone fantastic,” he said. “We have seen some many locals come in here, low-income families, because it comes with the school supplies, too.”
According to BeMobile Marketing Team Leader Megan Preble, the backpacks will be filled with basic starter supplies that include pencils, a notebook, a folder, a ruler and several other items.
Backpacks are distributed on a first come, first serve basis, with a maximum of three backpacks per household. No purchase is necessary to take part.
“I wish I had more, and wish I could get more, but we have that limited supply,” Sorter said. “I’ve tried to pull from other locations that didn’t fulfill everything we are trying to give out and took the leftovers and gave those out to local community members here in Claremont.”
Sorter explained that BeMobile is a family-owned company that has a focus on helping the community in a variety of ways.
“We try to consistently give back to our community that keeps us alive,” Sorter said. “We appreciate them and want to show that by doing these community events.”
BeMobile has been a solid charitable contributor this summer, as it just wrapped up the Crazy Crayon Drive, as well. The store brought in 49 pounds of donated crayons and crayon pieces to be recycled and distributed to area schoolchildren. When discarded, these crayons could have ended up in a landfill where it takes years to biodegrade. Instead, they are recycled and formed into fun shapes and sizes for children to use. This is through the National Crayon Recycling Program, which has recycled crayons since 1993.
According to information provided by BeMobile’s corporate office, the backpack giveaway is an effort to support parents as the school year approaches. It is being held at all 68 BeMobile Verizon locations during their regular business hours.
For the backpack giveaway, those who take part can also register to win a year of free laundry. Over the past 11 years, more than a $1 million in supplies has been distributed.
“Our Annual Backpack Giveaway is one of our favorite events to give back to the communities who support us throughout the year!” said BeMobile Verizon Chief Operating Officer Jake Miller. “This year we are proud to be giving away 5,000 backpacks; our most ever in a single year.”
The event will take place from July 29 to 31 at any BeMobile location. No pre-registration is required, so those interested are urged to just come on in and grab a backpack for your children.
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