Filling in the Blanks Announces Third Annual Holiday Backpack Drive

Filling in the Blanks (FIB), the Fairfield County-based non-profit that fights childhood hunger by providing needy children with meals on the weekend, launches its Third Annual Holiday Backpack Drive. Throughout November, there will be donation boxes for new toys, mittens, hats at William-Raveis and the New Canaan toy store. Books can be purchased at Elm Street Books- they have a special display dedicated to FIB.

FIB currently serves more than 600 children in Fairfield and Westchester counties and will once again give each child in its program a brand new backpack filled with gifts this holiday season.  

Founded in 2013 by two New Canaan residents, FIB strives to remove the obstacle of food insecurity faced by thousands of children by providing each student in its program a bag containing two breakfast items, two lunch items, snacks and fresh fruit every Friday. Children who qualify for the government free or reduced school lunch program are eligible. Just before the winter break, FIB will give each child it serves a brand-new backpack containing:

-        A brand-new, grade appropriate book

-        New toy

-        New hat, scarf, gloves and socks

-        New toothbrush

-        Pancake mix and syrup

Once again, Elm Street Books will partner with FIB to secure the books for the backpacks. During the month of November, Elm Street shoppers will be able to purchase a book (or a bundle) for the FIB Holiday program. Those who purchase a complete set will be entered into a raffle to win an Elm Street tote bag filled with books. Elm Street will also give 10% of the pre-tax purchase price of each book back to FIB.

In addition, on the evening of Saturday, Nov 12th, select restaurants will offer a signature drink or food item, with the proceeds of that purchase going toward FIB.  More news on that to follow!

A variety of organizations have joined with FIB to collect the items needed to fill every bag, including New Canaan Youth Football, Fessler Family Dentistry, First Presbyterian Church and the Little Rams Service League. 

FIB is also seeking organizations and/or families to assist in the assembly and delivery of the backpacks in December. Interested volunteers should visit www.fillingintheblanks.org.

Filling in the Blanks supports Blessings in a Backpack, DOMUS, KT Murphy, Roxbury, Boys and Girls Club, Bedford Hills Elementary School, Chester Addison Community Center, Yearwood Community Center, Toquam, AITE, Stark, Stillmeadow, Westover and Davenport Ridge.