Massport Lends a Hand to East Boston Students Returning to School

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is helping some students return to school with gifts from employees. Over 100 children at the 21st Century Afterschool Program in Winthrop, Condon Community Center in South Boston, Crossroads Family Center in East Boston, East Boston YMCA and the South Boston Neighborhood House, are starting the school year with new backpacks, new school supplies, and new clothes donated by Massport employees through the 16th annual Backpack Project. The Backpack Project is Massport’s annual back-to-school drive aimed at assisting local families in need.

“We are thrilled to host the annual Backpack Project which directly benefits local students” said Alaina Coppola, Massport Director of Community Relations & Government Affairs. “Ensuring that students have the necessary supplies to start the school year off right is crucial to their success, and we’re proud that Massport can play a part in that.  Thank you to our employees who participated in this initiative and to the partner organizations for giving us an opportunity to support local families.”

“The backpack project is a special day here for our kiddos at the Y,” said Joe Gaeta, Executive Director of the East Boston YMCA. “Many families face uncertainty as they enter the school year, but that stress is alleviated by the generosity of the team at Massport. A full backpack is a great kick start to a successful school year in ensuring our youth hit their goals in school.”

This year, over 150 Massport employees participated in the Backpack Project by sponsoring children individually or as a group, providing school supplies and new outfits for children, ages 4-18.