YOUNGSTERS returning to school are being urged to give their old backpacks a new lease of life.
The charity Mary's Meals is asking children in Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley and Bexley to handover their unwanted school bags along with any spare stationery.
Bags, pencils, notebooks and pens will then be sent to thousands of children in 15 of the world's poorest countries to help with their schooling.
The charity's lead fundraiser Abeer Macintyre said: "We know children and youth groups can learn a lot about the world through our backpack project and school resources.
"We would love to see their old schoolbags heading to where they are really needed."
An information meeting on the scheme will be held in Our Lady of Muswell Church Hall, in Muswell Hill, Haringey, from 10.30am to 2pm on September 26.
For more information on Mary's Meals or to make a donation, visit marysmeals.org, call 0800 698 1212 or email info@marysmeals.org
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