First Lady Maria Lee’s Tennessee Serves Provides New Backpacks to Students in Distressed Counties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Today, Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee announced her initiative, Tennessee Serves, has provided new backpacks to kindergarten and new students in Tennessee’s distressed counties.
Since 2021, Tennessee Serves has provided more than 18,000 new backpacks to students across the state. This year, 1,882 kindergarteners and new students in distressed counties will receive a backpack from the First Lady’s initiative.
“As a former teacher, I understand that classroom supplies are essential to setting students up for a successful school year,” said First Lady Maria Lee. “It is our hope that these backpacks will be a reminder to each student and family that Tennessee supports them and believes in their bright future.”
The project is in coordination with Tennessee Serves’ work to support back-to-school efforts across the state as a part of the August monthly challenge. This year marks the fourth consecutive year Tennessee Serves and Family Resource Centers have partnered to distribute backpacks to students in the state’s economically distressed counties.
“On behalf of the Hancock County Schools, we want to thank first Lady Maria Lee and her team for their hard work and determination in making sure that our students begin each school year with the supplies needed to reach their educational goals and succeed,” said Hancock County Family Resource Center Director, Angela Rasnic. “Hancock County families are very appreciative of the Tennessee Serves initiative and the joy that it brings their children as they begin a new school year.”
The backpacks are distributed by each school district. For more information on distribution, contact the school district’s Family Resource Center.
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