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Health & Fitness

3 Reasons to Fill a Backpack

It’s no secret that elementary schools in Waltham are struggling.

I found a small way to help.

The Waltham Salvation Army helps kids every year by supplying backpacks and school supplies to individual students for the upcoming year. My wife and I are donating backpacks for the following reasons. (Of course, it's also just a good thing to do!)

1. Waltham teachers might shoulder the cost. Some Waltham teachers, I'm told, buy school supplies because parents can’t afford them. And that seems wrong. Any teacher battling low MCAS scores should focus on teaching—the only way to help struggling kids truly succeed.

2. New LTs. The Waltham Salvation Army on Myrtle Street is two blocks away from my house in Ward Eight. And I’m excited about two brand new lieutenants from Brazil named Thais (TAI-eese) and Rafael Viana.

Thais comes from a Salvation Army family, and she and her husband are a young, energetic couple with two adorable small children. Let’s welcome them and anyone else coming to Waltham to make a positive change.

3. My story.
When I was 12, my mother brought me and my brother from Peru to Braintree. I was new to America and didn’t speak English. I worked hard and learned the language, even though I still mess up now and then while anchoring Waltham Newswatch! I graduated from high school and finished college.

Today I can make a difference for a needy kid. I believe that every kid should have the basic tools for learning. And it was a fun experience for me and my wife getting all the supplies!

Contact the Waltham Salvation Army if you'd like to make a difference.

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