PG County Schools Collecting 10K Backpacks For Students

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's County Public Schools are striving to collect 10,000 backpacks to distribute at the 7th annual PGCPS Back-to-School Fair Aug. 26.

“We want all students to return to school in September with the supplies they need to be successful and a new backpack to carry them in,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer. “Every child deserves to start the new school year with the basic materials needed to be ready to learn.”

PGCPS will host four "Stuff-A-Bus" events to meet the 10,000 backpacks goal. At these events, residents stuff school buses with donated backpacks. These events will take place:

• Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Mall at Prince George’s, 3500 East-West Hwy., Hyattsville
• Tuesday, Aug. 1 (National Night Out), 6:30 - 8:45 p.m., Largo Plaza Shopping Center (In front of Lowe’s), 10500 Campus Way South, Upper Marlboro
• Saturday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ivy Youth and Family Center, 6118 Walton Ave., Suitland
• Saturday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wegmans, 9001 McHugh Drive, Lanham

To receive a backpack at the Back-to-School fair, families must register in advance. The fair will feature entertainment by A Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Vintage Baseball Game and Auto Showcase, as well as information about registration, student services and programs. Families may also purchase school uniforms at the fair.

In addition, as in past years, free immunizations will be offered on-site. All students in prekindergarten through Grade 12 must receive age-appropriate immunizations before they can attend school.

Families must register in advance to receive a backpack at the Back-to-School Fair, which is moved to a new location this year -- Prince George’s Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway in Bowie, home of the Bowie Baysox -- due to rising attendance.

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