A backpack full of school supplies can take a big chunk from a struggling family’s budget – more so if the family has several children in school.

Students from UWM and the UW System’s Institute for Urban Education (IUE), housed at UWM ,helped the Bridge of Hope Center distribute backpacks and school supplies during a community block party, Saturday, August 22nd, at 18th and Chambers streets.

The Bridge of Hope Center, which works with families in low-income neighborhoods, has distributed backpacks and supplies before school starts for four years.

Wisconsin student teachers from the Institute for Urban Education, housed at UWM, and UWM’s Peck School of the Arts joined the center’s workers this year.

Support for the project, came from UWM’s Cultures and Communities program, Brown Street Academy and the WI Family Assistant Center for Education, Training & Support. Additional donations are welcome. Contact Tracey Nix, nixt@uwm.edu to donate.