The Junction City – Geary County United Way has been conducting the Adopt a Backpack program for youth heading into the new school year. Members of the public can adopt a backpack and fill it with school supplies to help needy youth.

United Way Executive Director Nichole Mader said Monday 41 kids are still waiting to be adopted. “That means we have 41 little backpacks that people can come in and adopt and go shopping for.” Our hope is that we can get as many of those adopted as possible. One way or another we’ll cover them, whether we have to take money from Stuff the Bus to adopt the backpacks or if people will come in and adopt them. Our hope obviously is that the community comes in and adopts them.”

Mahder reported that 6,430 school supply items were donated for the Stuff the Bus program to obtain school supplies for needy children in USD 475 and Saint Xavier schools. More than $2,400 was donated to support that program, and other items remain to be brought in by businesses that participated in the effort.