Pack it up

Betty Austin of Sun City bought half a dozen backpacks last year and filled them to the brim with school supplies for several foster children.

The school supplies were delivered to more than 100 local group home kids who can't afford items for the upcoming school year. Austin and other Brighton Gardens residents launched an annual program to gather supplies for the students.

"It's a chance to help those children who don't have any way to get these items, and we want them to know that we care," she said.

Stephanie Carmichael, director of community relations at Brighton Gardens, said the group hopes to fill at least 100 backpacks and send them to several homes.

"We want to give seniors an opportunity to help out kids who need it," she said.

The backpack drive will continue through July 31, with the items being delivered on Aug. 1 to homes in the area.

Carmichael said people should stuff the bags with everything from calculators and staples to pens and pencils.

"We want to get them ready for school, so they'll have everything that they need just in time," she said.