Department of Education collects 600 backpacks for kids heading back to school

    Frank Edelblut, left, and Diana Fenton, with 600 backpacks to be delivered to NH schools. Courtesy Photo

    CONCORD, NH — Commissioner Frank Edelblut capped the Department of Education’s 4th Annual Backpack Drive at the Department’s headquarters on Friday. This year, the Backpack Drive set a new record by collecting more than 600 backpacks, which will be distributed by school nurses to students in need across the Granite State.

    Department of Education attorney Diana Fenton began the Backpack Drive in 2016, collecting 170 backpacks that year. Several state agencies contributed to this year’s effort, along with citizens from across New Hampshire.