Free Backpacks For Local School Kids

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

A group of local kids got equipped with brand new backpacks for the school year with the help of Infowest intern Savannah Hirschi (standing center) during the 5th annual Backpack Giveaway event held last week by the local internet service provider. PHOTO BY VERNON ROBISON/The Progress

Moapa Valley kids had an opportunity to get a jump start on back-to-school shopping last week. At least, they got the backpack taken care of.

Local internet service provider Infowest held its 5th annual Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway on Friday, July 8 at the Old Overton Gym.

About 100 brand new backpacks, all ready for the new school year, were there for the taking at the event. There were also plenty of fun snacks and cold bottled water for the kids who showed up.
The event had a steady flow of children and parents come through selecting backpacks from a large table.

Local moms Jane VanErt and Chanelle Robinson brought their kids as well as nieces and nephews to get it on the fun. By the time they were finished, a total of 13 backpacks were selected for their group alone.
“It is just awesome that Infowest is doing this to help out us parents,” said Van Ert. “Especially this year when we have gasoline pushing $6 per gallon!”

Infowest Marketing Director Josh Kaneversky said that this is one of several different ways that the company gives back to the community throughout the year. Over the past five years since the Overton event has been held, the company has given out a total of around 400 backpacks to local kids.

A youngster takes his time to select a new backpack for the upcoming school year during the 5th annual Backpack Giveaway event held by Infowest last week. PHOTO BY VERNON ROBISON/The Progress

Infowest holds similar backpack giveaway events in Richfield, Utah and in Cedar City, Utah, Kaneversky said.
“We found that there are some unique needs in those communities that makes this kind of event make sense,” Kaneversky said. “We just wanted to fill those needs.”

Kaneversky said that the decision was made to hold the event at the Old Overton Gym this year, rather than at the Infowest Overton office.
“It gives more space for kids to spread out a little,” Kaneversky said. “We don’t have to try and cram everyone into our little reception space at the office.”

But recipients can still take their new backpacks over to Xtreme Stitch in Overton, right next door to the Infowest office, to have their names embroidered on them, Kaneversky said.
“All they have to do is drop by our office there and pick up a coupon,” Kaneversky explained. “Then they can take that and their backpack right next door and get it embroidered.”

The Infowest office is located at 196 S. Moapa Valley Blvd.