INTERNATIONAL PAPER PEOPLE STEP UP TO SUPPORT OPERATION BACKPACK! 

THANKS, PAPER PEOPLE! Employees at the International Paper company facilities in Barrington and Bellmawr NJ recently put together 14 fully equipped backpacks for kids in pre-K through 5^th grade. Left to right: Kelli Wright, our Volunteer Coordinator; Kim Suiter, human resources specialist at International Paper; and James Wynn, our development director. 

The International Paper company has gone beyond simply collecting money and school supplies for our ‘Operation Backpack’ campaign.

Folks at the firm’s facilities in Barrington and Bellmawr NJ have also put together 14 colorful, fully loaded backpacks for needy kids in pre-K through 5th grade.

“I can’t say enough about the generosity of the people at International Paper. This contribution puts us on the right track to making sure that all of the children in our programs will receive a backpack - and get a better chance to succeed in school,” says James Wynn, Development Director for Volunteers of America Delaware Valley.

Although International Paper has long supported Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and our clients, “this is our first ‘Operation Backpack,’” says Kim Suiter, human resources specialist.   The company itself donated money, as did individuals; Kim and a colleague shopped for more supplies and for the backpacks, and assembled them.

“I have to say I had fun,” Kim says.

Company officials say everyone was happy to help.

“We’re just glad to support the community, says Fred Klawunn, site manager.

“For us, it’s a privilege,” adds Andy Fescoe, general manager. “When we can help out, we do.”

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley annually serves 800 children in our shelters and reaches 1300 families via our Homeless Prevention program, and ‘Operation Backpack’ is continuing through August 30.

For information, contact James Wynn at 856-854-4660, ext. 128 or jwynn@voadv.org