Tennessee’s First Lady providing new backpacks to every student distressed counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee announced on Monday that students in distressed counties will be receiving a new backpack.

The “Tennessee Serves” initiative will provide nearly 13,000 students across the state, including many in East Tennessee, with a backpack.

“We are honored to provide new backpacks for students across rural Tennessee because every child deserves to start school confident, equipped, and ready to succeed,” said Lee. “For many families, this program lifts a burden, and for students, it sets the tone for a strong school year ahead. It is my hope that each backpack would serve as a reminder to each student, family, and distressed county that Tennessee sees, supports, and believes in them.”

Students in the following counties are set to receive a br