PHOTOS: South County Stallions Stuff 500 Backpacks at New Hope Church

A local church, the Northern Region Football Champions and some dedicated volunteers are making a difference for South County students. Thanks to the efforts of New Hope Church, children living in the South County area will head off to school next week with the supplies they need to get the year started. 

After raising more than $12,000 in donations, New Hope went shopping. By partnering with the county's "Collect for Kids" program, the church was able to turn $1 into $4 at Office Depot. The South County High School Varsity Football team was at New Hope on Tuesday, Aug. 28, and stuffed 500 backpacks, and delivered 200 of them at Lorton Station Elementary School. 

"What you all are doing off the field is giving kids a chance," said New Hope Director of Operations Dave Schleyer. "These aren't just pencils you're putting in their backpacks - it's hope. This notebook… It's confidence."

Other schools being provided backpacks by New Hope are Gunston, Laurel Hill, Newington Forest, Silverbrook and William Halley Elementary Schools. Also included are South County Middle and High Schools.