Help4Kids in Desperate Need of Clear Backpacks for New School Year

The charity organization Help4Kids, based in Myrtle Beach, is looking for donations of clear backpacks for children starting the new school year. The appeal follows the announcement by Horry County Schools of a new policy requiring all students to use clear backpacks from the 2024-25 school year onwards. Help4Kids, known for its popular Backpack Buddies program, is keen to ensure that all children can comply with the new rules.

Fundraiser for Clear Backpacks

The founder of Help4Kids, Barb Mains, explained the challenge of switching all donated backpacks to clear ones to meet the new regulation. So far, the organization has managed to obtain only 10 clear backpacks and is focused on acquiring enough for all schools throughout the county.

Concerns about Affordability and Access

One local parent, Justin Yarbrough, raised concerns about the cost and availability of clear backpacks. He questioned what would happen if families spent money on a backpack only to find it didn’t meet the school’s requirements. Mains acknowledges these worries and encourages people to contribute to the Help4Kids initiative, noting that even the donation of a single clear backpack could make a difference.

Advice from the School District

Horry County Schools has advised parents and caregivers that students in need of help with obtaining a clear backpack can contact their local school. The school district also clarified that, while clear backpacks will become compulsory from August, students will be allowed to use small pouches for personal items.