Starbucks customers and partners in the Netherlands have donated over 1,000 backpacks filled with essential items to children affected by the refugee crisis via a partnership with the charity Human Aid in Greece (HAIG).

Around the world there are many children arriving at refugee camps and for these children a tiny backpack can make an enormous difference. The donation of essential items such as a warm pair of socks, toiletries and food can be an early step to support them.

In total, 620 rucksacks were sent to children in Calais, 250 to children in Greece and 150 to the refugee centre in Amsterdam (AZC). Each backpack was filled with useful items such as school supplies, toiletries, towels, blankets and food.

Caroline Omlor, senior channel operations manager, Starbucks EMEA said: “At Starbucks, we are always passionate about helping others in need and are committed to the communities we serve. The refugee crisis is something we’re all keen to support as it affects a wide area of our region. When we heard children in Greece had the opportunity to go to school but had no pens or pencils to start studying, we knew we needed to donate what we could to help them.

“In as little as a day, we had our collection bins full to the brim with backpacks. It’s exceptionally heartwarming to know our donations will really matter to those who need it the most. We are thrilled to have been able to help 1,000 children across Europe so far and we will be doing another backpack drive in the future as it was so popular with our partners.”