Not too late for a free school backpack

Kids can still get free school supplies and a new backpack through the Carlton County Back to School BBQ & Backpacks program.

“We want to make sure every kid in Carlton County that needs a backpack gets one,” United Way director Sarah Buhs said.

Buhs said they hit the Aug. 1 registration deadline and found they still have plenty of backpacks and donated school supplies, so they extended the deadline. Kids or parents are asked to sign up online at http://www.unitedwaycarltoncounty.org though Aug. 11. If they forget to register, that’s OK, said Buhs. They can also just show up at the event between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 near the playground at Hilltop Park, across 14th Street from the college. There will be backpacks for elementary, middle school and high school age groups filled with most of the required schools supplies. It’s more than a pickup though, it’s a party with free hot dogs and drinks, face painting, a rock wall and lots of resources for parents.

“That’s the same part of the park where we have the ‘born learning trail’ and there will be a story stroll,” Buhs said. “Plus Community Memorial Hospital is bringing an occupational therapist to talk about how to carry backpacks properly.”

This is the second year for the collaborative backpack program. It was moved from Veterans Park this year to make room for the Wood City Music Festival on the same day.