(PRNewsfoto/Tom’s of Maine)

KENNEBUNK, Maine —  Tom’s of Maine is teaming up with The Kids in Need Foundation (KINF) to donate 10,000 “Backpacks Full of Good” to students most in need, nationwide. Each backpack is filled with essential school supplies to help students thrive and reach their full potential. The public is invited to contribute by adding an encouraging note to one student’s bag. Starting today through August 19, 2018, families can visit https://www.tomsofmaine.com/backtoschool to fill out a personalized “Good Luck Letter.”

“Backpacks Full of Good” is a new initiative for Tom’s of Maine, a leader in making personal and oral care products for the whole family that are natural, sustainable and responsible.  Each colorful, durable backpack will include essential supplies such as pens, markers, glue sticks, and more. Inside the backpack will also be a sample of the Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry  Anticavity Children’s Toothpaste, to help the kids keep their naturally bright smiles.

School supplies are just one part of the equation when it comes to school year motivation. With this in mind, Tom’s of Maine is inviting the public to add an encouraging word to a student’s backpack. Today through August 19, 2018, families can visit https://www.tomsofmaine.com/backtoschool to submit a personalized “Good Luck Letter” which will be included inside the bag, along with the supplies.

“Students benefit from proper school supplies and words of encouragement,” said Rob Robinson, brand and goodness leader at Tom’s of Maine. “We’re happy to help give these kids the foundation to succeed in the classroom and a reason to stand a little taller this school year and beyond.”

To deliver the backpacks, Tom’s of Maine is hosting Back-to-School Celebrations at KINF-sponsored Resource Centers. The deliveries will take place in ten cities throughout the month of September:

• East Coast
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Portland, ME
  • Rochester, NY
  • Tampa, FL
• Midwest
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Nashville, TN
• West Coast
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Phoenix, AZ

“When kids have the tools they need to learn, they have the confidence to walk into their classrooms prepared to achieve,” said Renay Dossman, executive director, The Kids In Need Foundation. “We value Tom’s of Maine and their long-standing tradition of inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action. We are thrilled to partner with them on their Backpacks for Good initiative. This program will give thousands of students the supplies they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Backpacks for Good is just one example of Tom’s of Maine commitment to supporting communities.  Every year, Tom’s of Maine gives 10% of its profits back to helping people and the planet and employees are encouraged to give 5% of paid time to volunteer. 2018 marks the company’s 48th anniversary.