Backpacks & Bright Futures: Wanta Thome's Heartwarming Initiative for St. Paul Students

A Heartfelt Initiative: Easing Back-to-School Jitters

Remember the butterflies in your stomach the night before the first day of school? The excitement of cracking open a new notebook and the smell of fresh crayons? Now, imagine that feeling, but without the worry of how to afford those school essentials. That's exactly the wave of relief Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers are bringing to St. Paul families with their Project Backpack initiative. On a sunny Friday afternoon, August 22, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., the law firm will transform the West Minnehaha Rec Center into a haven of hope, handing out 500 backpacks brimming with school necessities to K-12 students. But it's not just about the backpacks; it's about giving families one less thing to worry about as they gear up for a new academic year.

Community Support at Its Finest

In a delightful twist, the backpack giveaway coincides with Feeding Frogtown's food distribution event. While kids get their hands on colorful crayons and crisp notebooks, their families can also stock up on fresh produce and groceries. It's a double dose of community love and support, ensuring that the families leave with not just school supplies but also with essentials to fill their pantries. Shawn Wanta, Managing Member of Wanta Thome, puts it perfectly, 'The cost of supplies adds up quickly, and that pressure is real for so many families. At Wanta Thome, our mission is to restore stability for people who have been wronged in the workplace, and that starts in our own community.' By addressing the immediate needs of families, Wanta Thome is planting seeds of stability and growth in their own backyard.

More Than Just a Law Firm

About Wanta Thome – this isn't your average law firm. Voted Minnesota's Best Employment Law Firm in both 2024 and 2025, they've made it their mission to fight tirelessly for employees who've been wronged through discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. But their commitment doesn't end in the courtroom; it extends into the heart of the community they serve. Project Backpack is a shining example of their dedication to not just restore stability but to nurture it from the ground up. By ensuring each student starts the school year on an equal footing, they're not just giving away backpacks; they're handing out keys to a brighter future.

For families looking to secure a backpack for their child, pre-registration is available online, ensuring no student misses out on this opportunity. With over 100 students already signed up, the excitement is palpable. It's a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together to support one another. As the buzz for the back-to-school season grows, so does the anticipation for Project Backpack's big day. It's about more than just the supplies; it's about sending a message that every student deserves to step into the school year with confidence, dignity, and the right tools to succeed. And thanks to Wanta Thome, hundreds of students in St. Paul will do just that.