First Call distributes backpacks
By KALEY LYON
A long line of children and their parents gathered outside the former Army Reserve Center on Tuesday morning, waiting for the doors to open.
When they did, children were led through a lengthy assembly line, where they had their choice of backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, etc.
"It's fun to see that the kids are excited about school," said Amy Bryant, an employee of First Call for Help. "At least for now."
The annual Backpacks for Kids event was from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, and from 8 a.m. until noon Wednesday.
During the course of the two days, about 400 children were provided with new backpacks, filled with all the school necessities.
About 100 backpacks remain, but have been designated for distribution throughout the community.
The event is headed by First Call For Help, but several other community entities and businesses donated the time and supplies to make it a success, said Haley Spicer, also with First Call.
The city of Hays also donated use of the Army Reserve building to host the event.
"We could not have done this without them for sure," she said.
This year's turnout was comparable to last year, but the event was fruitful, Spicer said.
And soon after this year is complete, the volunteers will begin gearing up for back-to-school 2009.
"I think the community has a lot of momentum this year," she said. "It's been a good year."
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