Even though the 2014-2015 school year is just coming to a close, plans are already underway for “Back 2 School” for Fall 2015. The project will provide school supplies, backpacks, and new shoes to children who cannot afford to purchase those supplies themselves.
Every child needs school supplies to begin the school year with confidence. With “Back 2 School,” families who live at 185% of poverty level may apply for assistance. In USD 497, there are 1,648 children, ages 5 to 17, who qualify. That is 13.8% of the Lawrence school system enrollment.
Rotarian Jim Evers, Director of Development for Douglas County Salvation Army, introduced the join initiative to Lawrence Central Rotary members. Kyle Roggenkamp, Human Services Director at The Ballard Center and Penn House, and Colleen Gregoire, Vice President and Campaign Manager, United Way of Douglas County, shared stories about the project. East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) is also part of the alliance. Other sponsors include First Christian Church, Hallmark, the City of Lawrence, Office Depot, Walmart and Radio 92.9, KLWN AM 1320, and KKSW 105.9.
Local agencies will work with the school district and other groups to develop a list of families who need “Back 2 School” assistance. In July, volunteers will encourage donations for paper, notebooks, pencils, and other materials listed by the local school district as necessary for a well-prepared student in the fall. United Way also hopes to include a new book for each child as well. In August, other volunteers will pack each backpack with the appropriate supplies for each grade level; buy shoes for children; and prepare for distribution day.
It is the second year of collaboration among these agencies. In 2013, the Penn House alone distributed school supplies to 598 children. Last year, the first year of collaboration, Penn House, Ballard Center, and the Salvation Army distributed backpacks and pairs of shoes to 833 children K-12. The goal for this fall is to serve 1120 children in four school districts: Lawrence, Perry/LeCompton, Baldwin, and Eudora.
