Blessings in a Backpack Program to Benefit USM International Students

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 04:48pm | By: David Tisdale

Three University of Southern Mississippi (USM) organizations have teamed up to support incoming international students as a new academic year quickly approaches.

The USM Association of Office Professionals, USM’s Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, and USM Staff Council are partnering to help international students get ready for the fall semester with the “Blessings in a Backpack program,” through which international students will receive a backpack filled with school supplies.

The organizations are seeking donations from the university and local community to fill the backpacks. Items needed include the following:

*Notebooks
*Binders
*Blue books
*Bullet journals

*Highlighters
*Index cards

*Loose-leaf paper

*Markers
*Pencils
*Pens
*Reusable masks
*Small dry erase boards
*Transparent files

*Umbrellas

*Wet wipes

Collection boxes for these items are located on the Hattiesburg campus in Asbury Hall by Freshens, Cook Library by Starbucks, McLemore Hall by Career Services, Subway in the R.C. Union, and The Fresh Food Company. Items will be accepted through August 20. To schedule a donation pick-up, contact Jennifer.LewisFREEMississippi.