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State Police backpack drive underway

Delaware Public Media

While school may be the furthest thing from a kids mind during summer vacation, Delaware State Police are starting to take in donated supplies for students in need starting now.

"Operation Troopers Have Your BACKpack" is in its third year, with state police collecting all kinds of supplies for kids in elementary school.

 

“From backpacks to pencils to erasers, crayons, markers, but I know that with my own children they use up a lot of hand sanitizer and boxes of tissues, so if anyone wants to donate those, those are highly welcomed,” said Delaware State Police Sgt. Richard Bratz.

 

 

And Bratz says they’ve had overwhelming success with this drive in its first two years.

 

“Sometimes they come in and it looks like it’s Christmas. A lot of people have donated time and money and supplies to our children and that’s great,” said Bratz.

 

Donations are accepted 24-hours a day at all 9 Delaware State Police troops and at the headquarters facility in Dover through August 11th.

 

Troopers may even be able to pick up supplies from people who can’t make it to a drop-off site.

 

Bratz adds those who aren’t able to donate, but can volunteer their time should contact the drive organizers for potential opportunities.

 

You can learn more about how to volunteer or donate at the Delaware State Police website.

 

Items State Police are seeking for "Operation Troopers Have Your BACKpack" include:

 

  • Backpacks
  • No. 2 pencils
  • Spiral notebooks
  • Washable Crayola crayons box of 24
  • Large pink erasers
  • Pencil cases
  • Colored pencils
  • Washable markers
  • Loose leaf wide ruled paper
  • Highlighters
  • Composition books
  • 3 ring binders
  • Plastic folders with pockets
  • Tissue boxes
  • Hand sanitizer