Phoenix, AZ Orthodontist Dr Joe Pearson in the Ahwatukee Foothills Organized a Backpack Drive for Kids Less Fortunate at Frank Elementary School in Guadalupe
Channel 5 News awarded $500 to Pearson Orthodontics from their "Pay It Forward Weekly Program" in support of the Ahwatukee community effort to also help buy much needed school supplies.

PHOENIX, AZ, August 17, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In Phoenix, AZ, Ahwatukee Foothills orthodontist Dr. Pearson and his staff hosted a backpack drive this summer to benefit students at Frank Elementary School in Guadalupe. Pearson Orthodontics asked their patients and members of the Ahwatukee community to donate their used backpacks still in good shape from the previous year to students in need of school basics. When the drive ended, the office looked like a back-to-school store with more than 300 backpacks ready to donate to the school.

Linda Bayard from Pearson Orthodontics notified News Channel 5 of their backpack drive. In support of their efforts, the News Channel visited Dr Pearson's office and awarded $500 from their "Pay it Forward" program to be used for additional school supplies needed for the school to begin the new year. Watch the video of the Channel 5 News broadcast.

The drive was coordinated by Lisa Abeln, an employee at Pearson Orthodontics, after hearing her pastor at Corpus Christi Catholic Church mention that 98 percent of students at Frank Elementary start the school year without a backpack. "It is a family tradition in our house every year to take a photo of our three kids on the first day of school wearing their new backpacks. Each year when the kids get new school clothes, they each also picked out a new backpack," commented Lisa. "It really hit home when I heard there were kids lacking basic school necessities we often take for granted. When I suggested to Dr Pearson we organize a way to help, he was immediately on board supporting a program to help the less fortunate kids at Franks Elementary School. Many families with school kids have used backpacks lying around. Why not recycle and make better use of them."

Dr Joe Pearson and his team delivered all the supplies to Frank Elementary School and met with the principal and staff members. The backpacks were distributed during meet-the-teacher night to students and families experiencing tough times. " It was the icing on the cake when Channel 5 News stepped up to award additional funds for much needed schools supplies at the school," added Dr Joe Pearson. "It is amazing what a community can do when they work together for the better good. The backpacks will put a smile on many kids faces the first day of school this year. We are very proud to create a beautiful smile any way we can."

Press Release Contact Information:

Dr Joe Pearson
Pearson Orthodontics
Orthodontist
4350 East Ray Road
Phoenix, AZ
USA 85044
Voice: 480-759-7575
Website: Visit Our Website