After 12 Years, WFDD’s BackPack Campaign remains a symbol of community support

December 17, 2020

The following message is shared on behalf of 88.5 WFDD.

88.5 WFDD has concluded its annual BackPack Campaign, reaching its goal to contribute to the filling of 1,300 backpacks of food for children at risk of hunger, thanks to listeners’ support. The backpacks were made possible through the support of Kaplan Early Learning Company and will be distributed through Second Harvest Food Bank’s BackPack Program; they will provide the equivalent of 5,200 meals for children in the Piedmont and High Country who are in need.

WFDD has held an annual BackPack Campaign in December for the last 12 years. This special fundraiser provides support for the public radio station, while also filling backpacks of food for children in the Piedmont and High Country at risk of hunger, through Second Harvest Food Bank’s BackPack Program.

“WFDD is not just committed to serving our community; we are a part of it. And as such, we have the ability to bring the people together to address an issue like childhood food insecurity,” said WFDD Assistant General Manager Molly Davis. “We are fortunate to have listeners who are extremely community-oriented and want to be a part of an opportunity to strengthen the place they live. Our BackPack Campaign is a true symbol of solidarity. Listeners make a gift to WFDD, and as a thank-you for that gift, Kaplan Early Learning Company fills a backpack of food for a child at risk of hunger. With COVID-19 hitting everyone either physically, financially, or both, this year’s campaign felt a bit more special, and the response was overwhelming.”

WFDD’s BackPack Campaign has seen notable growth since its inception. The first iteration in 2008 had a goal of 300 gifts of support for WFDD, which resulted in 300 backpacks of food for children in need. “I’m proud to say that we were able to fill another 1,300 backpacks during our December 2020 fund drive. Over the years of this campaign, we’ve provided more than 11,000 backpacks of food for children in our community facing food insecurity—over 45,000 meals. That’s all because of the incredible support we receive from listeners. This is an exceptional representation of how our community comes together to make a difference,” said Davis.

WFDD’s December Fund Drive began on Dec. 1 with GivingTuesday and concluded with a three-day on-air fundraiser between Dec. 8 and 10. The station successfully met its goal of 1,300 gifts before the scheduled end-time, with a record-breaking last day that saw 648 gifts, and filled a total of 1,300 backpacks for the Food Bank’s BackPack Program.