MILFORD, PA — As the first day of school approaches, Pike County Children and Youth Services (CYS) is gearing up to help local families prepare with its annual ‘Back to School’ Backpack Giveaway. This year, the program has expanded, with 400 free backpacks filled with essential school supplies available to Pike County students, double the amount offered last year.
Two distribution events will be held:
- Friday, July 25, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lehman Park in Bushkill
- Friday, August 1, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ann Street Park in Milford
Backpacks will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, with 200 available at each location.
“These events are about more than just providing school supplies. They provide an opportunity to make a meaningful difference and allow us to invest in these children’s futures,” said Michele Burrell, CYS Administrator. She thanked the event’s sponsors for their support, particularly Angels and Dragonflies, whose donation on behalf of the United Way helped make this year’s expansion possible.
The giveaways are free and open to Pike County families. In addition to backpacks, children attending can enjoy face painting, snacks, and games. Community organizations will also be present with information tables, small giveaways, and family resources. A special feature of the July 25 event in Bushkill will be a tour of the Lehman Township fire truck.
Participating organizations include Angels and Dragonflies, CASA of Pike County, Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission, Carbon Monroe Pike Mental Health and Development Services, Century 21, Delaware Valley Action, Delaware Valley School District, East Stroudsburg School District North Campus, Ecumenical Food Pantry, GAIT, George Junior Republic, Healthy Moms, Hemlock Farms Food Pantry, Justice Works, Milford United Methodist Church, PA Department of Health, Pike County Area Agency on Aging, Pike County Commissioners, Pike County Human Services Office, SAM, Inc., Triversity, Victims Intervention Program, and With Open Arms Transition Housing.
For more information, families can contact Pike County CYS directly.