The first day of school looms large in a child’s life, and we all want to see kids head back to school with a smile and ready to learn. Which is why Project GRACE (www.projectgracemaine.org) and its partners come together in the waning days of summer to collect sturdy new backpacks brimming with notebooks and binders, paper, pens and pencils, rulers and glue sticks for kids who might otherwise go without.

Thanks to another energetic community effort, 82 kids from 35 families started school with the tools they need to succeed. We’re also happy to report that nine families, with 19 school-age kids who got packs and supplies last year, were fine on their own this year.

We are grateful to all the helping hands who volunteered their time, brought in a full pack, gave supplies, sponsored a child’s backpack, and hosted a collection drive or drop-off site. It all added up to a great start for the kids.

We wish to especially thank: Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough Kiwanis Club, Alere, Biddeford Savings Bank, Foy Insurance, Gorham Savings Bank, Katahdin Trust, Michelle Raber State Farm Insurance, Saco Biddeford Savings Bank, St. Max, The Study Hall and Town & Country Federal Credit Union. And a special shout-out to Town Manager Tom Hall, and all the other TCFCU dunkees who were good sports on our behalf at Summerfest!

Thank you, one and all.

We are fortunate to have such caring neighbors. But you don’t have to take our word for it. As one family said in their note to us: “My kids wanted to thank all of you for the help you have given us for back-to-school. They were so excited…it helped so much…”

Steffi Cox, executive director Project GRACE