On Saturday, August 8th, Heyl Family Practice hosted our 3rd Annual Backpack Bonanza at our West View office—an event that brought students and families from our community together to prepare for the new school year. This year, we collected more donations than in previous years, proving once again just how special the community surrounding us is. The event was about more than just backpacks and school supplies. It was an opportunity for families to come together, neighbors to support neighbors, and our Heyl Family Practice team to give back to the community we are so fortunate to be a part of. From the students and their families to the volunteers, donors, and community partners, everyone played a role in making the morning feel like a true community event.
The event welcomed more than 140 attendees, and we were able to provide 84 students with everything they needed to head into the school year feeling prepared. Students from Pre-K through 12th grade were able to choose their own backpack before heading to our supply table to 'shop' for the items on their school lists. From notebooks and folders to pencils, markers, crayons, and more, students were able to pick out the things they needed for their upcoming school year.
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A Morning Filled With Smiles and Supplies
With the weather on our side, the morning was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of excitement as families came together to get ready for the start of a new school year. There was something special about watching students walk through the lines, pick out their backpacks, and take part in an experience that was all about them.
What stood out most was the excitement we saw from the families who joined us. Their genuine joy and appreciation was a reminder that this event is about more than getting ready for the first day of school—it’s about coming together as a community and supporting one another.
The Community Sponsors Who Helped Make it Possible
We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by local businesses, organizations, and community members who continue to support our Backpack Bonanza year after year. Their generosity, donations, and time helped make this year's event possible:
Primary Event Sponsors: Bentz Chiropractic and Mazur's Collision & Service Center
Food & Treat Donors:Center Avenue Slice (pizza), Monte Cello's (pasta), Philly Pretzel Factory (soft pretzels), Betsy Ann American Chocolates (chocolate-covered pretzels), and Soergel Orchards (cookie tray).
Giveaway Donors:Three Rivers Ballet, Studio Raw Elite, Royal Myanmar, West View Brew, Gino Bros Pizza Express, and Yeung's House.
School Supply Collectors and Donors: Bethany Hospice, West View U-Haul, Dollar General in West View and Three Degree Road, Game Master's/Dragon Roast Cafe, Laurel Gardens Tire Service Inc., and Ross/West View EMS
Community Guests: West View Volunteer Fire Department and West View Police Department
And our support didn't stop there.
Twenty Heyl Family Practice staff members volunteered their time to help make the event happen, with some even bringing along family members to lend a hand.
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More Opportunities to Give Back
The response to this year’s Backpack Bonanza was exceptional. With the generous amount of school supplies we received, we knew we wanted to find
another way to share them with families who were unable to attend our event. On Saturday, August 15th, we brought our school supplies and backpacks to West View Borough’s 250th Birthday Celebration, where we were able to provide 40 more students with backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. It was a different event, but the outcome was the exact same: the same smiles, the same excitment, and the same reminder that this community is special.
Caring Beyond the Exam Room
Being a strong member of the communities we serve is important to us. We are more than just a doctor's office: we are your neighbors you can count on. Hosting events like the Backpack Bonanza continue to prove that we can do anything with the help of our community, and it is amazing to see what we can do together.
Now having three office locations, that commitment is even stronger. We are accepting new patients at each of our office locations, and enjoy welcoming in new faces who are looking for high-quality, compassionate and trusted healthcare. If you are looking for a primary care provider who does just that, submit a request to connect with our team below, or give us a call at 412-931-3066 between 8:00AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday.
Bigger and Better Every Year
As we take a moment to appreciate this year's event, we are already looking forward to planning the 4th Annual Backpack Bonanza in 2027. Seeing what we were able to accomplish and contribute this year, we know that next year will be even better. We hope to see you there!
