Morley Backpack Brigade Marches to Town Hall

On Monday morning, a parade of more than 400 people made their way from Bretton Road to West Hartford Town Hall, most carrying backpacks.

But not their own backpacks.

The students, faculty, and staff of marched in the fourth annual "Backpack Brigade" on Monday morning, transporting 430 brand new backpacks filled with school supplies to the auditorium.

"This is the fourth year we've done the Backpack Brigade," said second grade teacher Dawn O'Connor, who organizes the effort. She said that some of the backpacks were donated, and others were purchased with funds raised by the Morley Brownies, PTO, lemonade stands, and a dunk tank at the school fair.

"The bulk of what Human Services gave out last year came from Morley," said Department of Human and Leisure Services Director Jim Capodiece. This year the department anticipates giving out close to 500 backpacks.

"We are so proud to be here for this very special event," said Morley Principal, Dr. Ellen Stokoe, as the backpacks were presented at Town Hall. "The Morley Backpack Brigade is bringing goodness and caring to the town."

Mayor Scott Slifka thanked the Morley community. "Twice a year you come down here to Town Hall because you're helping other families in town ... Thank you to your parents, thank you to the teachers and staff, and thank you from the people in town government," Slifka said.

The Morley community also organizes a each fall.

"Today Morley fulfilled our promise, that next fall 430 students will have new backpacks and supplies they need to begin the new school year," said O'Connor. She said she was overwhelmed by the generosity and outpouring of support for the fundraiser, which resulted in a record number of donated backpacks.

Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Roberts accepted the backpacks on behalf of the Human Services Department. "We especially appreciate Morley because of such a special partnership with you," she said.