IT’S VERY REWARDING TO BE ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND ESPECIALLY TO THE KIDS WHO ARE IN NEED” “When the program started, people didn’t realize the need for them,” says Early, the organization’s chair for backpacks. “This really helps the kids. The people at the schools didn’t believe we were doing this when it first started and they got their backpacks.”
Photography by Stephen Buchanan
The three-year-old effort has been a roaring success, particularly during the pandemic. More than 200 back packs have been given out.
TOWNE SALUTE
Patricia Early
Talbot County Women’s Club
E 14
By Tom Worgo
ven after a 38-year teaching career, Patricia Early, in retirement, still cares deeply about students. Several years back, Early wanted to find some way to help them—especially the needy. So, as a long-time member of the Talbot County Women’s Club, the 73-yearold started what she calls a backpack program.
What’s Up? Eastern Shore | December 2021 | whatsupmag.com
“(Early) has first-hand knowledge of the stress the kids go through because she was a teacher,” Talbot County Women’s Club President Nancy Lutes says about the process of starting a new school year. “Some families don’t have the resources for supplies when the kids are going back to school. It was the perfect idea. It alleviates the stress.” The first two years, the program delivered backpacks stuffed with supplies— including composition books, glue sticks, binders, dry erase markers, folders, pencils, and notebook paper—to sixth graders at Easton Middle School, where Early taught for 30 years. Early says she receives a discount from Staples on supplies and she, along with
husband Steve, spend $200 of their own money on the backpacks ordered from an online retailer. “When kids go to school and some don’t have enough money for backpacks, they walk around with nothing,” Early says. “We are really helping out the kids in need. We are not just handing out backpacks. The school gives them out to those who need them.” This year, Easton Elementary School fifth graders were the beneficiaries of the backpacks. “It’s very rewarding to be able to give back to the community and especially to the kids who are in need,” says Early, a board member of the organization for eight years. “Right now, it’s very important for a family to pay the rent or buy food. The start of school may be the lowest thing on the priority list.” It costs about $500 to run the program each year and Early, an Easton resident, organizes two or three fundraisers throughout the year, including tea parties and flower marts. “It’s a big project,” Lutes says. “We appreciate how she coordinates it every year and her commitment to the kids.” Lutes and Early also appreciate the reaction they get from the administrators and teachers. “It’s overwhelming for them,” Lutes says. “They are very grateful. They really appreciate her support for the students.” The idea for giving out backpacks came to Early when she spent a decade volunteering for the Easton chapter of the Society Saint
