VMH occupational therapist Cheryl Cade presents Rachel Kramer with a new backpack filled with school supplies. (Contributed photo)
The occupational-therapy department at Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua awarded 14-year-old Rachel Kramer of Eastman, Wis., with a new backpack filled with goodies on Oct. 13 as part of its annual backpack safety-awareness event.
This yearly event is sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association and aims to educate the public about correct backpack usage and the importance of a sturdy, supportive backpack, according to a press release prepared by VMH.
The occupational-therapy team has supported this effort by hosting events in the local school and within the community. Students were able to sign up for the drawing at the local Crawford and Vernon county fairs.
The backpack, which was donated by Walmart, was filled with goodies such as movie passes, a calculator, pencils, markers, and many other school supplies, all paid for by the VMH occupational-therapy department, according to the press release
The backpack itself was chosen because of its safety attributes such as adjustable shoulder straps, padded back, chest and waist straps, and multiple compartments for even distribution, the press release notes.
Kramer is looking forward to using the backpack on a trip to Wyoming.
