Navy volunteers in Nashua collect school supplies for Youth Villages

NASHUA – Members of the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program in Nashua recently held a school supply drive to help children with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues served by Youth Villages in New Hampshire. The Delayed Entry Program collected more than 50 school items, including backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils. Several Navy staff members also volunteered to help Youth Villages sort the donations and prepare backpacks for children. “Youth Villages’ mission is to help children with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues and their families live successfully,” said Matt Stone, executive director of Youth Villages Massachusetts and New Hampshire. “But we couldn’t do this without the support of generous members of the community and our corporate partners. Their involvement was crucial in helping prepare children struggling with serious issues for the new school year, allowing them to have – maybe for the first time – all the things they need to be successful in school and to feel like they are starting out on the same level as their peers. “That means a lot to the children and to all of us at Youth Villages.” Youth Villages’ back-to-school initiative, which included a young professional event and donation drives held by community partners and individuals, generated more than 2,400 school items to fulfill the academic needs of 150 underprivileged children served by Youth Villages in New England. Youth Villages has a continuing need for donations and community support.