This is our fifth year of supplying school supplies to children in urban schools.  We adopted St. Vincent's Academy in Newark 4 years ago because it is the last private school for girls in the city and has been active in this mission since before the turn of the 20th century. 

Each year we supply approximately 100 backpacks for the incoming freshman class which contain all the supplies that they will need for their classes.  Sister June Favata, the principal, gives us our shopping list and it is extensive. This year the list includes USB flash drives and Scientific calculators.
 

Why is this project so worthwhile?  St. Vincent's admits girls from all social strata.  Some are paying full tuition, some are on partial scholarships and a few each year get a full ride.  There have been girls from very wealthy families and girls living in shelters.  On the first day of school they file into the cafeteria where they are presented with one of the backpacks.  They are all the same - no status symbols, no embarrassment from lack of one.  The faculty has expressed how grateful they are to be able to start classes and know that the girls have everything they need on the first day.