Volunteers fill over 30,000 backpacks during Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - Volunteers filled 30,625 backpacks last Thursday and early Friday for the sixth annual Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive presented by CoStar and sponsored by WHOA Behavioral Health.

The largest school supply drive in the country was hosted by VCU Alumni and Communities In School.

The event provides backpacks with supplies for thousands of K-12 students in Central Virginia, Virginia Beach and children in need at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

“We are pleased to continue our ongoing commitment to this important event,” CoStar Group Senior Vice President of Global Operations Lisa Ruggles said in a news release. “Educational opportunity is an important driver of long-term success, and ensuring that the students of Richmond start the year off on the right foot will have incredible impact.”

The supplies will be loaded onto Estes trucks and delivered to schools for distribution.

“Estes is glad to dispatch its trucks to ensure students start the year with the tools and supplies they need to be successful and confident,” said Will Hupp, director of Hub Operations at Estes Express Lines.

Check out the highlights from throughout the day from the event, which was held at Richmond Raceway:

The sixth annual Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive is presented by CoStar and sponsored by WHOA Behavioral Health.

Communities in Schools in once again hosting the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive.

A volunteer from Virginia Credit Union talks about her involvement with the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive.

The Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive is underway at the Richmond Raceway, where volunteers prepare to fill bags for students.

Sarah Bloom gives viewers a look at Richmond Raceway, where bags are ready to be filled with school supplies for students.

RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras speaks about what the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive means for students.

The Mayor shares an Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive tradition.

Estes Express plays a critical role in delivering donated school supplies to students.

Pope is one of many volunteers that came out to Richmond Raceway to help fill bags.

Ashley Hall with Communities In Schools of Chesterfield explains the importance of preparing students for school.

The drive relies on volunteers to pack countless bags.

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