Helping students fill their backpacks

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Confidence is key when it comes to being successful. When you start a new job or a new school year you want to feel good about yourself. Well hundreds of underprivileged kids in Bridgeport need your help making sure they're properly prepared for school.

"You can take the stuff out like when you're in class and you need it, and you can take it out of your book-bag and write," said 4th grader Johnice Walton.

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

April fears it could have a lasting effect like it did for the father of News 8's Erin Logan.

At 62 years old, Logan's dad still talks about being bullied for not having a new backpack and supplies.

Almost 500 kids at Bridgeport's PT Barnum Housing Complex could be in that position. Only about a dozen new backpacks have been donated and very few supplies to fill them.

The goal is to hand the donated supplies out Tuesday night at the Longfellow School, which is closing for good. The kids are being sent to a brand new school

Gerry Claytor, Founder of Feed the People Food Pantry wants them to be ready and confident.

Any school supplies you can think of are greatly appreciated.

"Crayons, chalk, pencils, rulers, pads, notebooks, calculators, staples, pencil sharpeners are very important," said Claytor. "I was a sub this year and they drive you crazy about pencil sharpeners."

"It's going to be real hard," said 4th grader Alberto Rivera.

"So you need people's help right," asked Logan.

"Yes," said Alberto.

They're asking you to drop off any new backpacks, school supplies, cash, checks, or gift cards at the Waters Construction Company at 300 Bostwick Ave., in Bridgeport.