COVINGTON, Ky. — Northern Kentucky Harvest's 24th annual Backpacks Bonanza giveaway returned to St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Covington campus, helping parents and children get all the necessary supplies ahead of the new school year. 

What You Need To Know

  • St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Covington hosted Northern Kentucky Harvest's annual Backpacks Bonanza giveaway 

  • Volunteers filled about 1,100 backpacks with supplies for students from kindergarten through 12th grade 

  • They gave away backpacks and supplies to those needing them on a first-come, first-serve basis

  • This was the event's 24th year 

A mountain of hundreds of backpacks filled with notebooks, folders, markers and pens was awaiting the masses as they stood in line about to collect their goods. 

About 50 volunteers worked the event, helping families with all they needed. Among them was Bradie Bowen, who has served as an assistant principal at Holmes Middle School in Covington for more than a decade. 

"You keep coming back because the kids need you," Bowen said as she restocked tables. 

Bowen said new supplies make a difference at the start of the school year and increase the excitement to learn.

"At least we're able to give them this new backpack, and it's going to be something that they can show pride in," she said. 

Paul Gottbrath, president of Northern Kentucky Harvest, echoed off her sentiments. 

"With the younger children, if (they) march back to school with ... a new backpack full of new school supplies, they're ready to go," Gottbrath said. "It really makes them excited about school, and it increases their chances for academic success.”

Volunteers filled about 1,100 backpacks with supplies for students from kindergarten through 12th grade and made it easy for families, as all they had to do was bring a photo ID for the adult picking up supplies, proof of a Northern Kentucky address and proof of children in the home.

Haley Wilder, mother of two, said this giveaway eased some of the stress that comes with helping her children prepare for the new year. 

“A little extra help like this means a lot, especially at the beginning of the school year when they already need clothes, shoes; you know what I mean?" Wilder said. "They need so much, so the backpacks (are) a big blessing.”

Bowen said this support will continue throughout the school year.

"We'll refill as the year goes on ... but just to be able to start with this gives them a sense of, I think, well-being and comfort, knowing that they're prepared," she said. 

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