ROANOKE COUNTY – The school year has begun for Roanoke County Public Schools, and the county’s Department of Social Services has received 50 backpacks from Straight Street’s partnership with Hallmark Channel and “Days of Our Lives” actress Jen Lilley.
Thirty elementary-sized backpacks and 20 middle/high school-sized backpacks were donated, all containing notebooks, pencils, erasers, a binder, a pair of socks, and more. The elementary school backpacks contained pencil pouches while the middle and high school backpacks given to girls, also have feminine products.
“In the current difficult economic times, many of our families struggle to meet their daily expenses already, yet school supplies are an additional necessity,” said Susan Goad, director of social services in Roanoke County. “These donations help offset some of the financial burden of our families, and we are truly grateful to Jen Lilley and Straight Street for including us in their generous campaign to help kids in our community.”
Lilley continues her partnership with Straight Street to provide backpacks to local foster care agencies to ensure these students don’t fall through the cracks.
“When strangers show they care, that means a lot,” said Farmer, Ministry Director of Straight Street, of the impact Lilley’s donations have on the community.
Lilley grew up in Cave Spring before she began her acting career. This is the second year she has teamed up with Straight Street through the ‘Christmas is Not Canceled’ campaign to offer this resource to the community.
This summer, the campaign has surpassed last year’s numbers and has sent 2,964 children in foster care back to school with backpacks and supplies.
-The Salem Times-Register