Teen leads giving project

COURTESY PHOTO Bishop Verot Sophomore Chelsea Spiro with some of the backpacks, loaded with school supplies, that she was able to donate to a local charity. Chelsea led the summer community service project called "Pack-A-Pack." Spiro & Associates Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations has wrapped up its summer community service project, dubbed "Pack-A-Pack."

Lead by Chelsea Spiro, 14, the Pack-A-Pack program has donated more than 60 Jansport backpacks filled with school supplies such as paper, notebooks, crayons, rulers and writing utensils to the Cape Coral Caring Center. The Cape Coral Caring Center is a not-forprofit organization that specializes in family assistance programs, such as food donations and emergency relief.

The Pack-A-Pack program has received more than $1,500 in donations and $200 in gift cards to local retail establishments in addition to the donated backpacks and school supplies. Fundraising efforts accumulated during three months of promotions, networking and stuffing backpacks with supplies needed for the back-to-school season.

"I was amazed at the response we had from coworkers, clients and friends. Many people stepped up to the plate to donate to this worthy cause and many local kids will be grateful. Our initial goal was to stock 25 backpacks, and with the help of the community we have donated more than 60 stuffed backpacks and additional school supplies," said Chelsea Spiro.

Chelsea, a sophomore at Bishop Verot High School, initiated the Pack-A-Pack program to complete summer community service hours. ¦