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Cooper Foundation, Assemblyman Arthur Barclay, City Officials, and Community Leaders Distribute Backpacks, School Supplies to KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Scholars
More Than 900 Backpacks Donated Through Operation Backpack
CAMDEN, N.J. — The Cooper Foundation along with Assemblyman Arthur Barclay, other city and community leaders today distributed backpacks and school supplies to children at KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, New Jersey’s first renaissance school, which serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th living in Camden’s Lanning Square and Cooper Plaza neighborhoods.
The Foundation collected more than 900 backpacks filled with school supplies during its Operation Backpack Drive this summer.
“I am grateful to our Cooper employees and friends for their support of Operation Backpack and for sharing our commitment to the ensuring children have the same opportunities for success no matter where they live,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “KIPP student scholars are excited to begin a new school year and are ready to live out a familiar KIPP slogan – work hard, be kind. We hope they have a terrific year.”
The backpacks and supplies were donated by Cooper University Health Care employees. Thanks to their generosity, every child in the school received a backpack with all the necessary supplies for a successful start to the school year.
“Ensuring our children have the right tools and support is critical to their success and the success of our city,” said Redd. “Camden is rising and it is evident across the city, including here at KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy.”
In addition to Redd, The Cooper Foundation was joined by Assemblyman Arthur Barclay, city and school officials for the Operation Backpack distribution, including: Camden City Councilwoman Dana Burley and Camden City School Board President Martha Wilson.
“We look forward to this backpack distribution event every year because it has a big impact on the families in our community. We appreciate the support we receive from The Cooper Foundation, our public leaders and the broader Camden community,” said Drew Martin, Executive Director of KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy. “Having the proper school supplies supports a productive learning environment and, thanks to Cooper’s Operation Backpack Drive, our kids can start the school year with the tools necessary to learn, grow and succeed in the classroom.”