Charlotte, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Volunteers in Charlotte came together for the Backpacks & Basics Event, packing over 52,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students in need. This year marked a significant increase in demand, and the effort was made possible by the Tepper Foundation’s funding. Volunteers from various backgrounds participated, demonstrating strong community support. The packed backpacks will be distributed to local schools, showcasing the dedication to ensuring every student is well-prepared for the new academic year. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on teachers and families.
Charlotte Community Packs Over 52,000 Backpacks for Students in Need
On August 7, 2023, approximately 700 volunteers gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center for the annual Backpacks & Basics Event, an initiative aimed at supporting students in the greater Charlotte region. In just three hours, the dedicated volunteers packed over 52,455 backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students from 115 schools, marking it as the largest supply drive in the history of Classroom Central.
The event was funded by the Tepper Foundation, which provided the necessary supplies for the backpacks, while volunteers included community members, educators, and employees from local businesses, including Compare Foods Supermarket. The atmosphere during the packing process was lively, with music contributing to a festive environment as volunteers worked together in efficient teams.
Each volunteer was assigned specific tasks, such as stacking items, sorting supplies, and packing the backpacks. Classroom Central‘s Executive Director highlighted the increased demand for school supplies this year, with estimates showing that the nonprofit organization hopes to assist nearly double the number of children compared to the previous year—growing from approximately 30,000 to 52,455 students.
The packed backpacks contained various essential items, including notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies critical for students’ success as they head back to school. In line with community support, these backpacks will be distributed to schools during their open houses and on the first day of school, ensuring that all students are well-prepared to start their academic year.
Teachers in North Carolina often personally purchase supplies for students who are unable to bring their own, with reports indicating that teachers spend an average of $1,600 annually on school supplies. This financial burden underscores the significance of community efforts like the Backpacks & Basics Event.
According to local educators, students are usually filled with joy upon receiving their backpacks, making the efforts of volunteers all the more important. Participants expressed a sense of gratitude and fulfillment from their involvement, highlighting the spirit of community engagement and support for those facing economic hardships.
The event’s streamlined organization allowed thousands of backpacks to be packed quickly and efficiently, showcasing the dedication of the community to ensure that every student starts the school year ready to learn. The ongoing partnership between Classroom Central and the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, alongside the support from the Carolina Panthers, indicates a strong commitment to further aid in future initiatives.
Summary of Key Information
- Event Date: August 7, 2023
- Location: Charlotte Convention Center
- Volunteers: 700
- Backpacks Packed: 52,455
- Beneficiaries: 115 schools and 52,455 students
- Funding: Tepper Foundation
- Organizer: Classroom Central
Background Context
The Backpacks & Basics Event serves as a vital resource for students in the greater Charlotte area, providing assistance to those who may not have access to necessary school supplies. With a significant increase in demand this year, the efforts of volunteers and donations play an essential role in preparing students for success in their education.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the Backpacks & Basics Event?
The event aimed to pack backpacks with essential school supplies for students in need across the Charlotte region.
How many backpacks were packed during the event?
Over 52,455 backpacks were packed in just three hours.
Who funded the supplies for the backpacks?
The supplies were funded by the Tepper Foundation.
Who participated in the packing process?
Volunteers included community members, educators, and local business employees.
How will the backpacks be distributed?
Backpacks will be distributed to schools during open houses and on the first day of school.
Chart of the Event Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 7, 2023 |
| Volunteers | 700 |
| Backpacks Packed | 52,455 |
| Schools Benefited | 115 |
| Funding Source | Tepper Foundation |
| Organizer | Classroom Central |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Host Back-to-School Events
Charlotte School District Seeks Bus Drivers and Technicians
Additional Resources
- Country 103.7 FM: Charlotte Volunteers Pack Over 50,000 Backpacks
- Spectrum Local News: Backpacks & Basics 2025
- WBTV: Charlotte Area Volunteers Stuff Backpacks
- WCNC: School Supply Drive Collects Thousands of Backpacks
- MLive: Huge Sale on Vera Bradley Backpacks
- Wikipedia: School Supply
- Google Search: School Supplies
- Google Scholar: Educational Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Aid
- Google News: Education Initiatives
Author: HERE Charlotte
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