Four adolescences in Manatee County spent their summer breaks this year making sure elementary students at Rowlett were able to start the new school term fully prepared.
- Bradenton teens collected backpacks, school supplies
- They were able to assemble 60 backpacks
- The school essentials will go to students at Rowlett Elementary
"We thought it would be nice if they came to school prepared, excited and not worried about not having to hold their supplies in and stuff," said high schooler Makenzi Rench.
Rench, 17, along with Ian Sharff, 17, Evan Sharff, 15, and Devin Rench, 12, started their philanthropic mission by collecting 60 backpacks. They didn’t give up until all were filled with the essentials.
"Children coming to school without a backpack,” started Rench, “[That] can be stressful for them -- they don’t have anything to hold all their supplies. It just makes a big difference in these children’s eyes.”
Now a junior at Braden River High, Rench spent her childhood as a student at Rowlett. Of the 950 students who currently attend Rowlett, officials say more than 250 could use the extra help.
"We have a big variety of demographics here at our school,” said Rowlett Assistant Principal Cathy Choate. “I think probably 30 percent of our kids could use some extra help with school supplies.”
From butterflies to designer brands, these backpacks were collected from around the community in just three months.
"Everyone wanted to give back," said high school senior Ian Sharff.
"It took quite a bit of work,” added Rench. “We had to collect them, and clean them, but it was all worth it.”