Waterville Elks Lodge to host back-to-school giveaway

WATERVILLE, Maine (WABI) - The Waterville Elks Lodge and many other community partners packed over six hundred backpacks Friday morning for a giveaway this weekend.

It’s the 6th Year of the Elks Lodge’s Tools to Thrive Program in which kids in the Waterville, Winslow, Fairfield and Oakland are able to receive a free backpack, school supplies and hygiene products.

Each year, they’ve been able to increase the number of backpacks.

“We see in the community, there’s more of a need every year,” said Co-Chair of Tools to Thrive Karen Grenier. “So, even though we have members that graciously donate, we do a little bit of fundraising, we get grants because of the National Elks Foundation, it just never seems to be enough.”

“When the kids stand there, ‘I want that one, oh mommy look,’ it’s so exciting,” responded fellow Co-Chair Felecia Gaulin.

“Even though we have the backpacks stuffed with the school supplies for the age group, they can choose which backpack they want,” added Grenier.

Sunday will also consist of finger-painting, a meal, as well as a teacher table for those looking for additional assistance.

The doors will open on Sunday on 1 until 3, and the child has to be present with the parent to get a backpack.

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