Temple supplies hundreds of backpacks to North Philly elementary students

Temple University’s second annual Fill the Flight school supply drive on Tuesday, Aug. 4, brought backpacks and school essentials to local students in North Philadelphia.

University students and staff stuffed over 200 backpacks with new school supplies provided by members of the community. The event took place Tuesday morning at the North Central Community Center, at 1069 W. Norris Street.

More than 1,500 items have been collected for students in need by Temple University since July 21 at both Temple University Main Campus and the school’s Ambler Campus.

Temple students delivered the backpacks to North Philadelphia elementary schools. Recipients of the backpacks include students at a local day camp run right outside of Temple University’s campus.

Volunteers at this event told NBC10 that they hope that these bags help families start the new school year on a positive note, while also cutting down on school costs.

“Because we’re out of state students, it’s very important to give back to the community that uplifts as much as Temple University. So, we’re grateful to give back to students in need, and also maybe these students will become Temple Owls one day,” said Temple University student Daiyon Jenkins.