When children head back to school next month, school supplies should be the least of their worries.
That's why Soroptimist International of Carson City and Platinum Plus Salon and Spa have teamed up once again for the annual Backpack Attack.
"It's so hard for them to go to school and see other kids who have everything, so we work with the individual schools and school nurses to make sure their needs are met and these kids are on a level with the rest of the kids," said committee member Dixie Busch.
The Backpack Attack program is dedicated to ensuring that every child is equipped with a backpack and supplies that will get them off to a good start.
Those who would like to help are encouraged to bring in a backpack and receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a spa package valued at $250 from Platinum Plus.
In addition to the hundreds of backpacks needed each year, Soroptimists are collecting school supplies such as crayons, wide-ruled notebook paper, three-ring binders, pocket-only folders, pencil boxes and bags, ballpoint pens, No. 2 pencils, erasers, glue sticks, blunt-nosed scissors, colored markers, yellow highlighters, rulers, pencil sharpeners, 3x5 ruled index cards and protractors.
Organizers will fill up the backpacks according to the needs expressed for each child by his or her school, and will deliver them to students prior to Aug. 23, the first day of school.
In addition, some children have been removed from their homes without anything of their own, and need hygiene supplies, Busch said. Supplies such as the following also are needed: bar soap, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and brushes, sunscreen, small tissue packages and deodorant.
"Any of these items will help, and will be packed into the backpacks," she said.
The number of children needing assistance varies from year to year, she said, but last year, more than 200 children were served.
"People are very generous in Carson City when it comes to helping children, and the need is greater this year for families, even if the resources are not," Busch said. "Many people are financially strapped and just can't afford to get their kids school supplies."
The Backpack Attack program was started at Platinum Plus about 10 years ago, she said, and Soroptimists came in as partners four years ago.
The raffle will be at noon Aug. 31. Tickets can be purchased for $1 each, six for $5, 15 for $10 or 30 for $20 at any of the drop-off locations.
For more information, call Busch at 882-3051, Pat Riggs at 885-7784 or Mary Knapp at 882-4444.