Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Somerville and its generous volunteers, Somerville students were treated fresh backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. ~Photos courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Somerville. 

For the fifth year, members of the Kiwanis Club of Somerville delivered over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies for distribution to high school students who are most in need of assistance. The students who will receive these backpacks will be identified by the staff at Somerville High School and the administrators at Prospect Hill Academy. 

Over the past two months, Kiwanis members have collected school supplies donated by local businesses, residents, supporters and members, including many supplies donated at two weekend donation events in front of Staples at Assembly Row.  We would like to give special thanks to Staples at Assembly Row, for allowing members to collect donations and supplies at their store and two Saturdays in July. 

Our biggest thanks for the largest donation of 200 high-quality backpacks, was made by PUMA North America and their Joint Venture Partner United Legwear.  PUMA North American headquarters is located at Assembly Row and we were incredibly privileged again this year to have them as partners in this effort.  In addition to the backpacks, fourteen PUMA North America employees, and a few more behind the scenes, assisted Somerville Kiwanis members in packing 200 backpacks with school supplies that were donated by supporters or purchased by the club.   

On Tuesday, President Dawn Austin, Treasurer Catia Aruda and Program chair Past President-Haley Adams, led the members and volunteers in packing and preparing the backpacks for distribution. Other members participating included Lieutenant Governor Mernaysa Rivera-Bujoysa, President-elect Tom Austin, Distinguished Past Presidents Bob Nissenbaum, Susan Callahan, and Paul Upton; Past President, Frank Wright and Toni Shelzi, Members Steve Coughlin, Dick Unger, and Thomas Ferte. 

We were also assisted by volunteers Bob Poupolo, Kiera Camire, Kastiel Camire, Kalel Camire, Sonia Trinh, Kaisen Trinh, Taeden Trinh, Michelle Wright, Cameron Wright and Liam Wright.  

President Dawn Austin expressed the club’s thanks to everyone who donated supplies, especially PUMA North America and their Joint Venture Partner United Legwear.  Without the generous support of so many in our community, this program would not be possible. 

To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Somerville, visit our web site, www.somervillekiwanis.org or like us on Facebook, Kiwanis Club of Somerville or visit us on Instagram. #unitedlegwear #puma #kiwanis #KiwanisCares #kiwaniskids #KidsNeedKiwanis.