Ready for Day One and the Months Beyond

Community Story

A new school year brings fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and a long shopping list. Before purchasing supplies, The Bank of Southside Virginia reached out to school leaders and community partners in Prince George and Dinwiddie with a simple question: Where could our support make the greatest impact?

Their guidance shaped a flexible effort designed to help on the first day of school and throughout the year. This summer, BSV donated 96 backpacks — 48 for each county — each packed with a 20-piece kit of notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, erasers, a pencil sharpener and other essentials. The supplies were placed with trusted local partners that can connect them with students and families as needs arise.

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 96 stuffed backpacks donated by BSV

  • 1,920 school-supply items packed inside

  • 200 additional supply bags for Dinwiddie schools

  • 5,864 Prince George area students in 2026-2027

  • 3,875 Dinwiddie area students in 2026-2027

“When local businesses invest directly in our schools, it signals to our families and children that their entire community is standing behind them.”

Carrie Hammel, co-founder of the PGVA Teacher’s Closet

Prince George: support available all year

On Aug. 10, Kelly Tucker, BSV Prince George Branch Leader, delivered 48 of the BSV-donated backpacks to the PGVA Teacher’s Closet, a community-run organization that provides free school and classroom supplies throughout Prince George County Public Schools.

The Teacher’s Closet works directly with school administrators to identify needs throughout the year. A set may go to a student whose supplies run out later in the semester, a child enrolling midyear or a family arriving in the area through nearby Fort Lee. Keeping these materials on hand also gives teachers a quick resource when a student comes to class without the basics, helping keep the focus on teaching and learning.

Dinwiddie: ready when families need it

In Dinwiddie, BSV delivered the remaining 48 backpacks to Dinwiddie County Public Schools Central Services. Central Services will distribute them to families requesting assistance throughout the year, including those new to the division. Each also includes a BSV postcard with words of encouragement; DCPS Payroll Manager Courtney Turner said the note makes the support feel personal and reminds students that their community believes in them.

BSV’s Dinwiddie effort expanded when severe weather forced cancellation of the DCPS Back to School Bash, which the bank had signed on to sponsor. Rather than letting the effort stop with the event, BSV arranged for more than 200 additional bags filled with school supplies to go directly to schools across the county.

“That’s what being a community bank and an even better neighbor is all about.”

Shawn Vattelana — BSV Rohoic Branch Leader

From opening day to mid-year arrival, these supplies will be ready when local students need them. By putting resources in the hands of schools and community partners, BSV is helping families, supporting teachers and giving students one less thing to worry about as they return to learning.

Enrollment sources: Prince George County Public Schools FY2027 Superintendent’s Budget Presentation (projected FY2027 ADM 5,864) and Dinwiddie County Public Schools FY 2026 Per-Pupil Expenditure Report (FY2027 budget ADM 3,875). ADM means average daily membership.