The Carolina Panthers donated backpacks to hundreds of children at Clarendon School District 2 this week. This was done through the teams annual backpack program that “Equips students for success, Instills confidence in students, encourages them to do their best, and serves the need of students across the region.”
This years backpack and school supplies program will support 6 school districts in North and South Carolina and the Title 1 schools that they serve.
"Clarendon School District 2 feels so fortunate and grateful that our students were chosen for the Carolina Panthers' Backpack program," said CSD2 public relations specialist Suzanne Barr. "The excitement that our students had, as we cann see in these photos, brought joy and encouragement to the classes."
While the panthers were happy to donate the bookbags, they were disappointed that they weren’t able to accompany their charity with their usual festivities.
“While the most important part of the program has always been to ensure that students are well equipped for the school year, COVID-19 restrictions eliminated one of our favorite parts of the program – our live in person, high energy, back to school, encouragement rallies – which are designed to celebrate the start of the school year and provide important messaging that we hope inspires and encourages students.” Stated Carolina Panthers Community Relations Assistant Jill Cole. “We hope to be able to host a mid-year or end of year encouragement rally should schools return to normal operations.”
The backpack giveaway took place in only six school districts in North and South Carolina, and are selected by the team.
“The backpack and supplies program is a team effort,” said Cole. “We’d like to thank our sponsors David A. Tepper Foundation, John M. Belk Endowment, US Foods and Classroom Central. As well as the efforts of our participating school districts during what is already a challenging time.”
Clarendon School District 2 will continue to hand out backpacks over the course of this week.
