Damian Lillard Dishes Out Backpacks, Supplies on First Day of School

Portland, Ore. -- On August 28, the Tools for Schools program partnered with Moda Health and Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies as students returned for the first day of the school year.

Lillard and Moda Health volunteers joined students, families and teachers to give every student at Rigler Elementary in Northeast Portland a new backpack filled with school supplies.

“At Schoolhouse Supplies, we are grateful for partners like Moda whose generosity not only helps us fulfill our mission and helps low-income students start the school year with the tools they need to be ready to learn, but makes our community a better place to live, work and learn,” Alice Forbes, Executive Director of Schoolhouse Supplies.

Schoolhouse Supplies started the Tools for Schools Backpack Program in 2003. This year, the organization will distribute 11,500 backpacks throughout the Portland metro area.