Laughlin supports Backpacks for Kids Published July 31, 2008 By Rachael Stewart 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It's almost time for school and Laughlin's Firefighters Association is accepting donations to help kids start the year off right. The program, called "Backpacks for Kids," is collecting backpacks filled with school supplies to give to children and teens of the Del Rio community during the Back to School Health Fair at the Civic Center Aug. 7. Backpacks should include general supplies such as crayons, paper, pencils, rulers, and folders. Individuals can drop off the backpacks Aug 4 - 6 at the Laughlin fire station. Members of the Laughlin Firefighters Association will then take the backpacks to the Back to School Health Fair, an event in which more than 50 local agencies donate various services for the students of the community, and give them to the students. This year they expect more than 2,000 students to attend. Students can also receive physicals and immunizations in addition to school supplies at the fair. Two thousand pairs of tennis shoes have already been donated in addition to 500 backpacks that were donated by Senator Carlos Uresti. "This is a good opportunity for the base to step up and help the local community" said Olin Jensen, President of the Laughlin Firefighters Association. The association has ten to fifteen volunteers helping at the Back to School Health Fair. The Laughlin Firefighters Association was established in January of 2008 and holds fundraisers to help the community as much as they can. The association currently has 30 members and family members that volunteer. For any questions regarding the "Backpacks for Kids" drive contact Olin Jensen at 298-5633.