Student's Kit | The collection has started at Auchan stores.

The Polish Red Cross (PCK) once again organizes the action "Backpack for Student", aimed at supporting children and youth from families in difficult financial situations. This year's edition of the action, carried out with the help of partners Amazon and Auchan, aims to provide students with essential school supplies so they can joyfully start the new school year.

"Backpack for Student" is an initiative that has long enjoyed significant interest among donors and PCK partners. The action involves collecting and then distributing school supplies, such as notebooks, backpacks, pens, crayons, or pencil cases for young beneficiaries from families struggling with financial difficulties. In 2024, thanks to support from Amazon and Auchan, the action will reach an even greater number of needy children, who will thus be able to fully prepare for the new school year.

– We are happy to continue this important initiative and support students across the country. With the collaboration of Amazon and Auchan, we can reach more needy children. Our goal is for every child to start the school year with a smile on their face – says Michał Mikołajczyk, board member of the Polish Red Cross.

Amazon, as a global leader in e-commerce, regularly engages in activities supporting education and the development of young people under the motto Education is key. The company actively participates in this year's edition of "Backpack for Student", providing not only material support but also team involvement. Amazon employees participate in collections and packing school supplies as part of employee volunteering.

– Education is the key to the future, which is why at Amazon we strive to support initiatives that help children from poorer families, who thanks to backpacks have a chance to start the school year on the same terms as their peers. We believe that every form of help matters, and through our joint efforts, we can ensure they enter the new year free from stress and worries – emphasizes Barbara Krystosiak, social projects manager at Amazon in Central and Eastern Europe.

PCK also cooperates with Auchan. The owner of hypermarkets has been involved in activities for local communities for many years. Auchan collaborates with PCK in organizing collections of school supplies in its stores across the country – customers will be able to donate school supplies in designated places during purchases at one of 70 hypermarkets in the chain on the last Friday and Saturday of August. These will then go to children from the poorest families.

Until Sunday, there is also a sale of a unique backpack designed by Julek Bobr as part of the action "Julek Bobr's Good School" – by purchasing the limited product, consumers can help doubly – 10 PLN from each sold backpack will go to help children in need.

Every child deserves equal opportunities in education. By supporting the action "Backpack for Student", we want to ensure that no child is deprived of basic learning tools. Together with PCK, we can truly influence the lives of thousands of students – says Hanna Bernatowicz, Communication Director at Auchan Poland.

As part of this year's action, PCK organizes numerous collections of school supplies. Anyone who wants to help can donate new school supplies to designated baskets at Auchan stores across Poland on August 30-31. They will then be given to children from families in need of support.

In Bydgoszcz, the action "Backpack for Student" receives a large response from the local community. Residents actively participate in the collections. This year's finale of the action will be graced by a concert of the band Enej, which will take place on September 15. The concert aims not only to thank donors but also to encourage more people to support the initiative.

The Polish Red Cross does not cease its efforts on behalf of children and youth. Although "Backpack for Student" is already a well-known and appreciated action, the organization continuously strives to develop its assistance programs. In light of growing needs, especially in the context of the challenging economic situation of many families, PCK plans further initiatives aimed at supporting education.

Our priority is to reach as many children as possible who need our help. Collaborating with companies like Amazon and Auchan gives us the opportunity to expand the reach of the action, enabling more students to start the new school year fully equipped. We want these children to focus on learning, not on the lack of basic supplies. Working together for education is also an investment in the future, the effects of which will be felt by the next generations. – adds Mikołajczyk.