J. T. Byrum, first grader at Haywood Elementary, celebrated his 6th birthday party on August 11 at his home. Instead of receiving presents from his friends, he asked that monetary donations be brought for the Haywood County Backpack Program (HCBP).  Thanks to generous donations from family and friends, J. T. helped raise $218 to buy supplies for the program.

The HCBP supplies food to local elementary students who need extra meals over the weekends throughout the school year. The backpack program uses funds raised from the community to purchase nonperishable food items. The food is ordered weekly and delivered to the school for packaging. The students receive the food on Fridays, and their supplies should last until they return to school the following Monday. Students from the High School offer their time each week to help pack the bags and deliver them to the schools.
J. T. is pictured with his mother, Allyson Byrum (Drama Teacher at HHS) and his father, Charles Byrum (Assistant Principal at HMS). They would like to extend a huge thanks to all his friends for donating to this wonderful cause.

If you would like to donate to the Haywood County Backpack Program, contact Cindy Smith at the Haywood County Board of Education, 772-9613.