READING, Pa. – One local organization in Berks County is stepping up to make sure all children have everything they need heading into the new school year.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Reading with a look at how the community is coming together to support those in need.
Mary’s Shelter is making sure any student that needs a bookbag for school has one.
Chris Folk, Executive Director of Mary’s Shelter, said the shelter provides services to homeless, unaccompanied youth ages 14 to 21. The shelter takes the young people in, gives them a safe place to stay, help them complete their education, and get them ready to live independently.
It helps out more than 1200 families every year.
The shelter is seeking donations as it acquires bookbags, clothes, and shoes for students. Last week, the shelter distributed 600 bookbags.
The donations are a “huge help” to the organization, Folk said.
Community partners such as Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania help the shelter collect the different items, stuff the backpacks with what the students need for school, and distribute items to people in need.
Mike Weil, Director of Daily Operations at the Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania, said “it takes all of us to make it happen.”
Anyone who wants to donate can come to Mary’s Shelter and drop off items at any time. The shelter is staffed 24/7.