More than 40,000 children in Fairfax County qualify for free or reduce school
lunches, according to Braddock District Supervisor John Cook. "Poverty threatens the academic success of many children in our community," he said.

In response, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have partnered to collect backpacks for this year’s 10th annual Backpack Drive. Last year, more than 2,000 backpacks were filled with school supplies and delivered to students in kindergarten through high school in time for the new school year. This year's goal is 2,800 backpacks.

"We hope everyone will get together with members of their community to
help reach this goal," said Cook.

New backpacks may be delivered to the Braddock District Office at 9002 Burke Lake Road between now and Aug. 20.