West End Library will distribute 55 backpacks with school supplies to Mifflinburg students

By Justin Strawser

jstrawser@dailyitem.com

LAURELTON — Fifty-five students in the Mifflinburg Area School District will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year.

On Friday, the West End Library at 45 Ballpark Road, Laurelton, received a donation of backpacks and supplies from the Union County Democratic Committee. Library Director Wendy Rote said the backpacks will be distributed to the children of library patrons.

“When they first called about this, I thought it was a perfect idea,” Rote said. “This is what kids need. With this economy, this will help families so they don’t have to purchase the items for school.”

The backpacks, intended for elementary, middle and high school students, come in a variety of styles and brands. Each is fully stocked with pencils, pens, binders, folders, highlighters, index cards, colored pencils, crayons and more.

Maggie DeVolld, chair of the party’s service committee, said the project is one of several community service efforts planned for 2025. The party has also collaborated with the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Day of Action, adopted a mile-long stretch of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and delivered meals to those in need.

“We believe in public education,” DeVolld said. “We’re hoping this will give everyone the footing they need to excel.”

Precious Maria-Rios, of Mifflinburg, emphasized the importance of school supplies as essential tools for student success.

“This ensures that everyone has equitable access,” she said. “A bright future starts with a pencil on the first day.”

The first day of school for the Mifflinburg Area School District is Aug. 21.

Precious Maria-Rios, of the Union County Democratic Committee, helped deliver 55 backpacks filled with school supplies to the West End Library in Laurelton on Friday.

Justin Strawser/The Daily Item

Fifty-five backpacks filled with school supplies were dropped off at the West End Library in Laurelton on Friday.

Justin Strawser/The Daily Item

Rick Thomas, Helen Nunn and Katie Evans, of the Union County Democratic Committee, helped deliver 55 backpacks filled with school supplies to the West End Library in Laurelton on Friday.

Justin Strawser/The Daily Item