Over the past five years, 5,000 young lives have been touched by Wayne County’s hugely popular Back-to-School program started by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.  This year, 1,500 more children were presented with backpacks filled with school supplies to start the school year off right.  On August 20, as part of the Back-to-School Program, 65 child participants of ACCESS’ Family Literacy Program received fully stocked backpacks at Salina Elementary School in Dearborn.  Studies show that fully prepared children are more likely to participate in school activities and show interest in their own development.

Donations began Aug. 19 in Romulus and backpacks are distributed countywide with recipients identified by respective social service agencies, youth organizations, shelters, school districts and churches.  Executive Robert Ficano launched the backpack program in 2003.  The county executive had wanted elementary aged youngsters to get a big boost in enthusiasm entering the new school year.  The program has picked up steam as sponsorship blossomed and word spread.

The county will also provide a new gently used book to children participating in the backpack program.  Immunizations are also scheduled at select sites.