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Backpacks for New Beginnings

Colleen Casey
Under the direction of Jackson ’17 and Tristan Kelly ’20, members of the Xaverian community gathered on campus last week to assemble 1,300 backpacks, which will be donated to underprivileged children.
 
“We started doing this in the summer of 2009,” said Jackson. “My brother and I wanted to start a charity and wanted it to be something we could relate to. We both know how important it is to have a backpack and school supplies for the year. We wanted kids that did not have the luxury to have the same opportunity as us.”
 
Although the colors and the designs of the backpacks vary, the contents inside remain consistent; a folder, pencil case, ruler, notebooks, crayons, markers, pens, pencils, glue sticks, a toothbrush and tooth paste. 
 
Xaverian has been supportive of the Kelley’s initiative. In May the school held a dress down day, where students could opt out of wearing their uniforms if they donated $1-$2 for the cause. The Kelley’s were able to raise $800.
 
“It’s great that the school wants to give back and supports us,” said Tristan. “You’re not going to find a lot of places that do that. We had such a great response from our classmates.”
 
Over the next few weeks the Kellys will deliver the backpacks to organizations in the greater Boston area just in time for the beginning of school.
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Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.