THE MICHIANA COMMUNITY PITCHED IN TO PROVIDE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR 3,250 AREA KIDS THROUGH 16 PACK-A-BACKPACK

WNDU-TV thanks Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, Meijer, Goodwill Industries, and the Michiana Community for their generous support

South Bend. WNDU-TV thanks Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, Meijer, Goodwill Industries, and the Michiana Community for stepping up during the coronavirus pandemic and supporting our annual 16 Pack-A-Backpack school supply drive. 

“There was a lot of uncertainty over how kids would return to learning this year. And we wanted to safely help them,” said WNDU-TV General Manager John O’Brien. “But one thing was certain: whether kids go back to the classroom, study at home, or take online classes at a mobile hotspot, they still need the supplies to succeed.” 

Due to concerns over the coronavirus, WNDU-TV broke with tradition and asked viewers to donate online at wndu.com instead of donating actual supplies.  For as little as ten dollars, viewers could provide a backpack and supplies to help a child start the school year.  From July 24 to August 7, viewers donated online in a big way. And with additional generous donations from Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and Meijer, 16 Pack-A-Backpack was able to purchase enough supplies to fill 3,250 backpacks. 

Working with Goodwill volunteers, the 16 Pack-A-Backpack team safely packed the backpacks with supplies for distribution to 15 agencies and school corporations across Michiana. 

“Michiana families are feeling the financial impact of the coronavirus.  And school supplies can be a big expense,” said O’Brien. “We are so grateful to our partners and to our generous viewers for helping area kids start the school year with the supplies they need.” 

WNDU-TV, a Gray Television station and the NBC affiliate in South Bend, Indiana serves television, digital, and mobile viewers in ten counties throughout Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan with news, information, public service, and entertainment.