Tools for School: 125,000 backpacks and counting

OLATHE, Kansas/July 17, 2007—Heart to Heart International Inc., a leading global humanitarian organization, announced today that it has exceeded an important distribution milestone in its efforts to provide disadvantaged students with the tools to succeed not only in school, but also in life.

As of today, Heart to Heart has delivered 125,000 backpacks to students in need in Kansas City and beyond. The organization reached this milestone with the help of Project SOS, which merged with Heart to Heart International last year and became part of its School Readiness initiative.

“We are standing on the shoulders of some very caring individuals who have given 20 years of service to their community on behalf of children who simply needed a boost to succeed in the classroom,” said Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid, Heart to Heart’s chief programs officer. “Because of our combined efforts, thousands of kids will be able to go to school this fall knowing that someone cares about them and cares about their success in school.”

Hundreds of volunteers descended into the underground of warehouse of Meritex Logistics in Lenexa, Kan., to assemble 7,500 backpacks full of essential, age-appropriate school supplies. The backpacks will distributed through nearly 40 agencies serving children on both sides of the state line.

To find out more about Heart to Heart’s school-based initiatives, people are encouraged to call the organization’s Programs staff at 913-764-5200 or email them at info@hearttoheart.org.