Back-to-School Backpack Program

Now in its 12th year, the Daggett Shuler Back-to-School Backpack Program proudly partners with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) to help local students begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. What began as a simple idea has grown into a beloved annual tradition that supports children and families throughout the Winston-Salem community.

The program was co-founded by Attorney David Daggett, who recognized an opportunity to strengthen relationships between local schools, law enforcement, and the community while helping remove barriers to education. Today, the Backpack Program is a staple of the back-to-school season across the Triad, with school administrators relying on the initiative to help students who need it most.

This year, the program will provide 325 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Five Winston-Salem/Forsyth County elementary schools—Moore Elementary, Bolton Elementary, South Fork Elementary, Whitaker Elementary, and Brunson Elementary—each receive 50 backpacks for students identified by school counselors and administrators. An additional 75 backpacks are donated to the William G. White Jr. YMCA's Bright Beginnings Program, extending the program's reach to even more children and families in the community.

Each backpack is thoughtfully packed with classroom essentials, including notebooks, pencils, folders, glue, scissors, crayons, earbuds, and other supplies students need for a successful start to the school year. The backpacks are intentionally unbranded and available in a variety of colors, allowing every child to carry them with confidence without feeling singled out.

School counselors and administrators work closely with our team to identify students who will benefit most from the program. At Daggett Shuler, we know the first day of school can set the tone for the entire year. By helping students arrive prepared alongside their classmates, we're giving them the confidence and support they need to focus on learning and achieving their goals.

The Backpack Program is made possible through the continued partnership of Daggett Shuler, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the William G. White Jr. YMCA, local schools, and dedicated community volunteers. WSPD officers assist with packing and delivering backpacks each year, creating positive opportunities to connect with students and families while reinforcing the department's commitment to the community.

Since the program began, more than 3,000 backpacks have been distributed to local students. As we celebrate our 12th year, we're grateful to everyone who has helped make this initiative a success and remain committed to investing in the future of our community—one backpack at a time.

As a new school year begins, Daggett Shuler is proud to partner with the Winston-Salem Police Department for the 12th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Program. This year, 325 students will receive brand-new backpacks filled with essential school supplies, helping them start the school year prepared and confident.

As always, the team at Daggett Shuler Law is proud to help support efforts to make a positive impact in our local area and support our students. Our Safe Sober program and annual back-to-school backpack program are just some of the ways we strive to serve our community. We believe in setting an example and supporting those working to improve the quality and health of our communities.