HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The WHNT News 19 team packed the backpacks for Kids to Love on Friday.  Our crews were stationed at Jack’s in Madison and Walmart in Hampton Cove to collect school supplies for foster children from sunrise to sunset.

Besides collecting massive amounts of school supplies and backpacks we raised $2,575 at Jack’s and $1,311 at Walmart!  Thank you so much for your donations.

“We know as parents it’s a big deal and for these foster children it’s even a bigger deal because they may not have the financial resources to do this,” said Pam Measel, Jack’s Director of Marketing.

Measel said Jack’s understands the importance of giving a hand up.

“At Jack’s, we give back so many ways to our communities, we’ve teamed up with Kids to Love for so many years.  We’re excited to continue this program, it is a way for us to give back,” said Measel.

Linda Gurley of Ryland is one of many who walked up and just gave us cash.  Kids to Love will use this money to buy those needed school supplies.

“I know the little kids gonna need it. I’ve got a grandson and I know what he needs,” said Gurley.

Nicole Barber has a daughter of her own but says it’s important to give back to help our neighbors.

“I buy for my daughter but then you try to buy for people that are in need… There is always a need,” said Barber.

Thank you for taking time to shop for school supplies and for digging into your own budget and giving cash to help us pack the backpacks for Kids to Love.

The boxes at 19 north Alabama Walmart stores and nine Jack’s locations will be there through Sunday, August 9. When you do shopping on tax-free weekend August 7-9, please drop some school supplies in the boxes.  You can also make a donation online.