BENNINGTON — With the school year just around the corner, the 8th Annual Back to School: Backpack Giveaway Challenge and National Night Out returns Tuesday, August 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lower Willow Park, bringing together an impressive lineup of family-friendly programming, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers to serve area students and families.

What began as a small effort to help students start the year with backpacks and supplies has transformed into a full-scale community celebration. Powered by the support of more than two dozen sponsors, organizations, and volunteers, the event offers not just essentials, but joy, connection, and creativity.

“We’ve always believed that when the community comes together, we can build something bigger than ourselves,” said Susan Plaisance, Sa

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