Students from 11 schools received 330 donated backpacks.
The Philadelphia Young Republicans donated 330 new backpacks with supplies as part of their back-to-school drive.
Students from 11 schools across the city received backpacks. The schools included Loesche, at 595 Tomlinson Road in Somerton, and Tacony Academy Charter School, 1330 Rhawn St. in Rhawnhurst.
“I am very proud of the Philadelphia Young Republicans who supported this project,” said Ross Wolfe, chairman of the group. “The political climate in the country right now is such that people forget that politics should start and stop with helping the community. With this project, the Philly YRs are able to directly assist those in our community who need the most help.”
Last Friday afternoon, state Rep. Martina White joined the group in the visit to Loesche, and City Councilman Al Taubenberger appeared at Tacony Academy Charter.
“I want to thank Councilman Taubenberger and his staff for helping in this effort. We called the councilman’s office to ask for assistance making contact with schools, determining their needs and arranging to drop the backpacks off. They were a really big help and were thrilled to facilitate assisting our community,” Wolfe said.
“I am delighted to see that the Philadelphia Young Republicans are using their organization to do something positive for the community and I’m happy my office could help with this effort. I ran for office to help people in Philadelphia and I am always there to assist anyone who has the same goal.” Taubenberger said.
The backpacks and supplies were purchased after a fundraising campaign that was launched in mid-August with a goal of providing 35 children with backpacks. After just nine days of online and other fundraising, enough money was raised from people in the city and across the state to buy 330 backpacks with supplies.
“We are very thankful to be in a position to hand out 330 backpacks just in time for the ‘17-’18 school year. As Ross stated, we are very proud to be able to directly assist those in our community who need help,” said Bryan Leib, treasurer of the Philadelphia Young Republicans and project coordinator. “I want to give a special thank you to our donors who stepped up to support the PYRs and 330 elementary students.”
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Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton, has invited candidates in the general election to speak at a forum on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m.
Admission is free, and brunch will be served.
To RSVP, call 215–677–1600. ••
