American Lung Association’s Free Backpack Drive Returns August 3

The American Lung Association in South Carolina will host its second annual Backpacks for Bright Futures event on Saturday, August 3 at James Simons Montessori School. Free backpacks will contain school supplies and vape-free resources for students and families. Medical professionals will be on-site to answer lung health questions. Additionally, asthma education resources and materials, including peak flow meters and spacers, will be available. Snacks, refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

The Lung Association distributed 250 backpacks at last year’s event (previously known as Breathe Easy Backpacks). This year’s goal is at least 500 backpacks. Backpacks for Bright Futures is free and open to all Charleston County families, regardless of the student’s grade or where they attend school.

WHAT: Free Event: American Lung Association’s 2nd annual Backpacks for Bright Futures

WHEN: Saturday, August 3 | 9 a.m. – noon | Drop-In | First Come, First Served

WHERE: James Simons Montessori School, 741 King St., Charleston, SC 29403

WHO: American Lung Association experts and medical professionals, with special guests Kyle “K’Otic” Johnson and Sing, Play & Dance with Miss Crystal

WHY: Youth vaping has become an epidemic. Nearly 8,000 kids start vaping every day. Youth who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to try a cigarette and three times more likely to become addicted to nicotine. The American Lung Association has resources for families, including a conversation guide, at TalkAboutVaping.org.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Materials will be available in Spanish, and Spanish translators will be on-site. Participants are NOT required to show identification.

MEDIA CONTACT: For more information or to request an interview, contact Victoria O’Neill at [email protected] or 312-273-5890.