Somebody Cares Tampa Bay Helps Distribute 20,000 Backpacks

Backpacks, crayons, folders, pencils, rulers and other school supplies fill the garage space of a Clearwater nonprofit.

Somebody Cares Tampa Bay buys the bags in bulk then sells them at a discounted cost to churches and other nonprofits each school year. The nonprofit will also give away an additional 1,000 stuffed backpacks this year, said Nikki Emerson, Director of Administration.

"We do what we can to help other ministries. It shows how the church can work together...we globally unite the Body of Christ," Emerson said.

Need backpacks?
Nonprofits can purchase filled or unfilled backpacks from Somebody Cares Tampa Bay then distribute them or use the bags in their programs. The heavy duty vinyl canvas bags come in two sizes. Ordering details are on Somebody Cares Tampa Bay's website.

The 'Hassle Free' Backpack program is just one of the ways the ministry helps the community. Other outreach includes food distribution and service projects through CareFest.

Want to get involved?  Volunteers are needed and donations are welcome.