Tom's of Maine Donates 10,000 "Backpacks Full of Good" to Students in Need

Families are Invited to Contribute by Sharing Personalized "Good Luck Letters"

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Jul 17, 2018, 08:05 ET

KENNEBUNK, Maine, July 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Every child deserves a happy and productive school year; but when money is tight, it can be challenging for families to obtain the necessary back-to-school gear. This is why Tom's of Maine is teaming up with The Kids in Need Foundation (KINF) to donate 10,000 "Backpacks Full of Good" to students most in need, nationwide. Each backpack is filled with essential school supplies to help students thrive and reach their full potential. The public is invited to contribute by adding an encouraging note to one student's bag. Starting today through August 19, 2018, families can visit https://www.tomsofmaine.com/backtoschool to fill out a personalized "Good Luck Letter."

"Backpacks Full of Good" is a new initiative for Tom's of Maine, a leader in making personal and oral care products for the whole family that are natural, sustainable and responsible. Each colorful, durable backpack will include essential supplies such as pens, markers, glue sticks, and more. Inside the backpack will also be a sample of the Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry^™Anticavity Children's Toothpaste, to help the kids keep their naturally bright smiles.

School supplies are just one part of the equation when it comes to school year motivation. With this in mind, Tom's of Maine is inviting the public to add an encouraging word to a student's backpack. Today through August 19, 2018, families can visit https://www.tomsofmaine.com/backtoschool to submit a personalized "Good Luck Letter" which will be included inside the bag, along with the supplies.

"Students benefit from proper school supplies and words of encouragement," said Rob Robinson, brand and goodness leader at Tom's of Maine. "We're happy to help give these kids the foundation to succeed in the classroom and a reason to stand a little taller this school year and beyond."

To deliver the backpacks, Tom's of Maine is hosting Back-to-School Celebrations at KINF-sponsored Resource Centers. The deliveries will take place in ten cities throughout the month of September:

East Coast

Charlotte, NC
Portland, ME
Rochester, NY
Tampa, FL

Midwest

Cincinnati, OH
Indianapolis, IN
Minneapolis, MN
Nashville, TN

West Coast

Las Vegas, NV
Phoenix, AZ

"When kids have the tools they need to learn, they have the confidence to walk into their classrooms prepared to achieve," said Renay Dossman, executive director, The Kids In Need Foundation. "We value Tom's of Maine and their long-standing tradition of inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action. We are thrilled to partner with them on their Backpacks for Good initiative. This program will give thousands of students the supplies they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom."

Backpacks for Good is just one example of Tom's of Maine commitment to supporting communities. Every year, Tom's of Maine gives 10% of its profits back to helping people and the planet and employees are encouraged to give 5% of paid time to volunteer. 2018 marks the company's 48th anniversary.

Tom's of Maine product purchases will not affect the number of backpacks donated. Additional information is available at https://www.tomsofmaine.com/backtoschool.

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine has been making safe, effective natural personal care products for 48 years. It all began when Tom and Kate Chappell moved to Maine in 1968 looking for a healthier, simpler life for their growing family. And when they couldn't find personal care products that were free from artificial flavors, fragrances, sweeteners, colors and preservatives, they decided to make their own. Tom's of Maine products – including toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, antiperspirant, bar soap, body wash, dental floss, and toothbrushes – are made from naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients and never tested on animals. The company has a long-standing commitment to caring for people and the planet. Tom's of Maine has supported hundreds of nonprofits by giving back 10% of its profits, and employees are encouraged to use 5% of their paid time (12 days) volunteering for causes they are passionate about. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

About The Kids In Need Foundation
The Kids In Need Foundation's mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed in the classroom by providing free school supplies nationally to students most in need. The Kids In Need Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1995, has distributed $1 Billion in school supplies, directly benefiting 6.2 million students and 200,000 teachers in 2017. For more information, visit KINF.org, and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @KidsInNeed

SOURCE Tom's of Maine