On August 3, 2024, the American Lung Association in South Carolina and its partners distributed over 500 free backpacks filled with school supplies and vape-free resources to local students and families. The "Backpacks for Bright Futures" event took place at James Simons Montessori School and was open to all, regardless of the student's grade or school.
“We developed Backpacks for Bright Futures to meet two major needs of families in our community: addressing rising back-to-school costs and protecting kids from the dangers of vaping,” said Margaret Ann Youngs, development director for the Lung Association in South Carolina. “Youth vaping has become an epidemic, driven by flavors like cotton candy, stress, anxiety and curiosity because someone they know vapes. Research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to try a cigarette and three times more likely to become addicted to nicotine. With this initiative, we’re giving kids and their families tools to help prevent tobacco use before it begins so they can keep their lungs healthy.”
More than 13,000 children across the state have been diagnosed with asthma, which is the leading cause of missed school days. To help educate and empower families, medical professionals provided lung health and asthma resources. Additionally, Spanish translators were on-site and Spanish-language materials were available.
Local partners also provided youth financial literacy resources, mental health resources, hygiene kits, textured hair products, vouchers for free haircuts, and more. Kyle “K’Otic” Johnson and Sing, Play & Dance with Miss Crystal provided entertainment.
"Backpacks for Bright Futures" was developed and launched in Charleston in 2023. The initiative aims to educate students and families about lung health hazards associated with youth vaping while addressing financial barriers related to back-to-school costs. Last year’s event saw the distribution of 250 backpacks.
The American Lung Association's Charleston team expressed gratitude for the support from local sponsors, donors, and partners who enabled "Backpacks for Bright Futures" to double its impact this year. Contributors included Synovus, MyNDSpace, The Lowcountry Mustang Club, Atlantic Respiratory Services, Petaloso, Walmart, Coastal Millwork & Supply LLC., Mike and Michele Seekings, MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina), Smoke Free SC (South Carolina), ADAPT (Adolescent Developmental Advocacy Program Team), James Simons Montessori School (JSMS), Lowcountry Period Pixies (LPP), Ecoslay (ES), Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB), IHOP (International House of Pancakes), Charleston County Public Library (CCPL), CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority), Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and Keep Charleston Beautiful (KCB).
