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Suffolk partnerships are making sure that kids have what they need when going back to school in the fall.

On May 25, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office donated backpacks full of school supplies to the Genieve Shelter.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office received a donation of 250 backpacks from Cognizant, an information technology consulting company. These plain backpacks are big enough to be for a child or an adult. The office reached out to donate these backpacks to local organizations that work with children.

The backpacks contained pens, pencils, rulers and notebooks. Also included was a goodie bag full of items from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office that would be usually given out during their outreach events, including things like a mini-football and coloring book that have slogans to help educate youth and prevent crime.

As COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, schools are making plans for a close-to-normal year in the fall. With many students going back for the first time since March 2020, many need school supplies, and this is where the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office stepped in. The office also donated backpacks to The Boys and Girls Club, ForKids and the Salvation Army.

“On behalf of the staff and board, I want to thank the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Mr. Ferguson,” said Marleisa Montgomery, executive director at the Genieve Shelter. “We truly appreciate the continued support. These backpacks will help the children when returning to school in the fall.”

The Genieve Shelter is a safe house for those facing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. Often, the women who flee come to the safe house with their children, who also need resources.

“Donations like this are always helpful,” said Montgomery. “When kids come, they usually leave their backpack with all their school supplies, and we have to provide those. This is very helpful to prepare them for a successful school year.”