K-Citymarket and Hope ry Launch Nationwide School Backpack Drive

K-Citymarket and Hope ry are collecting new backpacks for low-income families across Finland from July 13 to 26, with eight collection points in Pirkanmaa, Aamulehti reports.

Donors can drop new, unused backpacks at any K-Citymarket customer service desk or checkout. Backpacks may include school supplies. Last year the campaign collected more than 5,100 backpacks and a substantial amount of school gear. This year K-Citymarket and Pirkka will donate 100 filled backpacks for distribution by the charity.

Eveliina Hostila, executive director of Hope ry, says children from about third grade up often prefer plain, single-colour or sports-brand bags, and that older pupils receive fewer clothing donations and have higher needs. In Pirkanmaa, donors can use K-Citymarket stores in Tampere (Lielahti, Linnainmaa and Turtola) and in Nokia, Pirkkala, Sastamala, Valkeakoski and Ylöjärvi; the collected bags will be handed out through the charity's regional offices to families in need.