By Sabrina Cardin
SALISBURY — Students entering Salisbury Elementary School yesterday were welcomed back with an unusual gift — a new backpack, one for each of the 658 students.
The gift was due to the diligent work of the school's Parent Teacher Association and the generosity of Costco.
For years Costco supervisor Heidi McDougall had watched schools receive free backpacks for students through the company's marketing program. As a former vice president of the Salisbury PTA and now a dedicated member, McDougall wanted to find a way to help Salisbury students.
"I submitted the application and crossed my fingers," said McDougall.
Yesterday, McDougall, alongside other dedicated PTA members, received her wish.
"It's like Christmas to the kids," PTA President Chrissy Anderson said.
The giveaway is part of a nationwide charitable program run by the giant retailer Costco. Other recipients this year included Manchester, N.J., and Woodland, Calif.
With backpacks costing about $15 to $20 and parents having to provide more school supplies, going back to school can be a financially stressful time in some households.
"With shortcomings in state aid, parents are having to supply more for children," said PTA and Triton School Committee member Holly Janvrin, "and we really wanted to give back."
Anderson said her two children have thought about the backpacks throughout the summer.
"With the way everything has been cut and gas being so expensive, when you multiply it by two, the backpacks are a great help," Anderson said.
Salisbury has the highest rate of "homeless" students in the region, according to the state. "Homeless" students are defined as students who live in temporary housing, such as motels and off-season beach rentals. With a high rate of transient students due to low housing costs on winter rentals, Janvrin said the extra backpacks will be helpful. During the 2004/2005 school year Salisbury Elementary saw an influx of 75 new students as the school year began. Demand is there, and now for the first time in a long time, supplies will also be there.
"I'm sure there is the need," said Janvrin.
Applying before the close of last school year, Janvrin and McDougall said they were unsure whether or not Salisbury would be chosen. In June families received a letter explaining the giveaway and what to look forward to.
McDougall said she has walked past the backpacks at work since the beginning of July in anticipation.
"I was psyched," said McDougall.
Janvrin said the reaction was slow because people were not sure whether or not to believe it, but as the school year neared, the backpack buzz heightened. Last week while McDougall was school shopping at WalMart, an excited parent gave her a hug of gratification.
"It's a good program," said McDougall, "and I want to see it continue in this area, if not Salisbury then Amesbury or Newbury."
