Foxwoods makes big backpack donation

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Close to 500 kids at a Bridgeport housing complex were afraid they'd be starting school unprepared with no backpacks, pencils, paper, you name it. After News 8 aired a story about their needs, a big contribution was made.

It started with generous people giving 10, or 20 backpacks. Then Foxwoods Casino reached out to News 8 saying they wanted to surprise the kids by donating 200 backpacks.

News 8 was there to deliver the good news.

"They don't have anything to use and they have to ask people," 6th grader April Brown said earlier this week.

April was speaking on behalf of hundreds of kids at Bridgeport's PT Barnum Housing Complex. They didn't have their own backpacks or any school supplies to start the school year, so they asked News 8 to get the word out.

It didn't take long.

"We thought it was a great opportunity to step in, make a difference, and contribute 200 backpacks to the WTNH story here at PT Barnum in Bridgeport," said Adam Jalbert, Foxwoods Casino.

Foxwoods Casino reached out to News 8 and we went with them to deliver the backpacks and the good news.

"This nice man from Foxwoods Casino has a brand new backpack for you," said News 8's Erin Logan. "Here you are April, that's for you."

"Thank you," April said.

The thank you turned into a "wow" when she realized there really were 200 backpacks in the Foxwoods van.

"Because of you going on camera the other day they wanted to help you and your friends," Logan said.

"I feel good about that," she said.

With that, came a hug.

First grader Jordan Webster ran right over to the truck to see what the excitement was all about.

"Have you ever had a backpack," asked Logan.

"No," Jordan said.

"That's your first backpack," Logan asked.

"Yes," Jordan said.

"How excited are you," Logan asked.

"Good," Jordan replied.

Alberto Rivera tells News 8 the delivery was not what he expected.

"I didn't think anybody would donate this many backpacks," 3rd grader Alberto said.

While News 8 was there, another donation was made. A woman showed up with 20 backpacks filled with supplies.

The donations certainly kept the little ones smiling.

"Thank you. Thank you for the book bag," Jordan said.

The goal is to have 475 bags before school starts on Tuesday. At this time, they're at over 300, so help is still needed.

Anyone interested in donating any new backpacks, school supplies, cash, checks, or gift cards can do so at the Waters Construction Company at 300 Bostwick Ave., in Bridgeport.