Opening a new box of crayons, pulling out a new composition notebook, and sharpening new pencils to a perfect point will now be possible for 360 identified in-need elementary school students. Thanks to Operation: Backpack, these experiences, along with a brand new backpack and two new uniform shirts, are possible for these children in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Operation-Backpack-Sign-e1440075378908.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24257" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Operation-Backpack-Sign-e1440075378908-300x140.jpg" alt="Operation Backpack Sign" width="300" height="140" /></a>On August 5th, more than 30 volunteers gathered at The Arsenal in downtown Beaufort to commence Operation: Backpack, a new initiative of the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of the Lowcountry. The space was generously donated by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. In assembly-line fashion, volunteers filled each backpack with the exact supplies needed for each child’s grade and school.

Most of the supplies were donated by local businesses and individuals. The remaining items were purchased by funds raised through the efforts of the Women’s Leadership Council, whose mission is to mobilize the caring power of women to advance the common good by focusing on education in forgotten pockets of Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Beaufort and Jasper counties boast a number of programs that help students and families throughout the year. Students served by Operation: Backpack have been identified by their guidance counselor or school social worker and are not already receiving assistance from an outside agency. Through Operation: Backpack, hundreds of local students will receive the supplies and confidence needed to begin a new school year.