CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bojangles Coliseum was filled with more than 700 volunteers on Friday morning as The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation, the Carolina Panthers and John M. Belk Endowment put on the 3rd Annual Backpack Build.
Volunteers put together Panthers backpacks full of essential school supplies. The bags will go to 35,000 local students who need them for the new academic year.
The event is in conjunction with Classroom Central, which supports educators and students in the area.
"It gives them this sense of pride," Classroom Central Executive Director Karen Calder said. "It instills engagement and excitement for learning. That's very critical for making sure kids stay in school."
The backpacks will be given to area schools with the highest concentration of students in need, targeting those where every student is enrolled in the free and reduced school lunch program.
"Dave and Nicole Tepper, education is important to them," Panthers President Kristi Coleman said. "Education is important to the Panthers. It's great for the children."
Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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