Susan & Dan McNeely, owners of North Creek Roofing got involved in a Backpack Drive headed up by the Liberty Road Foundation in 2013, but they soon realized that all of the backpacks were being taken to schools in the Tacoma area. Do tell.

So, in 2014 they still wanted to be involved in the backpack drive, but they also wanted to contribute to the local schools. They proceeded to team up with Heatherwood Middle School & this started the North End Backpack Drive. Sue says: “I was proud to head up & present to our local businesses, through the Mill Creek Business Association, and to commit to 85 backpacks. We were able to meet that goal, and actually beat it by 25 backpacks, raising enough to provide 110 backpacks! AND, this is where the story really begins.”

At the end of the backpack drive she received an email that said:

“Hi Sue,

“Our 10 year old son Hunter, has a “share” savings account where he uses as he chooses for people or drives that are of interest of him in helping or sharing with others. We picked up your flyer from the YMCA , he has chosen your drive to use his “share” money. He has currently $211.25 but I told him we’d help him and pay the difference to get 10 backpacks for kids/families in need.”

This started the Backpack Drive for 2015 called the “Hunter Challenge” —   “Meet or beat Hunter’s 10!”. Hunter lives with his parents in Mill Creek, and they were able to help us deliver the backpacks last year.

You can go through North Creek Roofing or straight to Liberty Road Foundation. Every $25 will purchase 1 backpack filled with school supplies. There will be an opportunity to donate at the Mill Creek Festival at the North Creek Roofing booth.  A large corner of the booth will be dedicated to Hunter’s Challenge with the goal, where it stands and filled in each day with new numbers. Be sure to check out the “Hunter Challenge” video on the Liberty Road Foundation Website. Click on this link:  Liberty Road Events: Hunter’s Challenge  to view it, get more details & make a direct donation. Meet or beat Hunter’s 10! Backpacks purchased with funds raised will go to Heatherwood Middle School as that is the designated local school.

Click this link to download/print the flyer/form Backpack Drive Flyer-Mill Creek