Friday, July 18, 2008

Fill a Backpack, Fulfill a Dream

As July came about I found myself protesting the turning of the calendar. It can’t be July, I thought summer seems to be almost over, and I have so much to do. Before I know it I will be putting away the swimming pool, the sandals and gearing up for the beauty of fall. I can remember when I was a girl, and I thought summers lasted forever; the sweet lazy days really seemed endless.

At the next turn of the calendar, many children and their families will start thinking about school and all of the new beginnings this school year will bring. At the start of August every store will be buzzing with children wanting the latest and greatest backpack and supplies.
There are families who are unable to afford the required supplies every child needs to start the school year right. For some, the cost of preparing for school can stretch an already tight budget. But every child should and needs the opportunity to be prepared each school year. Having new school supplies may seem small to adults but to a child it can be everything.

You can put a smile on faces of area children whose parents couldn’t afford new materials. The Fourth Annual "Backpack + Supplies = Success” school supply drive will be held August 4 through August 15. This year’s city-wide drive is coordinated by the United Way Partner Programs: Marshfield Clinic’s Youth Net program and Marshfield Area Volunteer Center.
In 2007, 10 area companies donated nearly 400 backpacks full of supplies to children in need. They were distributed to individuals and elementary schools in Auburndale, Marshfield, Neillsville, Spencer, Stratford as well as Marshfield Middle School.

Marshfield Area Volunteer Center will accept donations from individuals for the backpack drive until Friday, August 15. Donations of backpacks, supplies or gift cards for the purchase of additional backpack supplies are welcome, and should be dropped off at the Volunteer Center, located at 101 West 29th Street, Suite 104 during business hours. The average cost of a backpack with supplies is $30, to receive a list of suggested supplies or for more information, call Sarah Krenn at the Volunteer Center at 384-9992 or e-mail unitedway.sarah@tznet.com.
If you need a backpack, call 384-9992 for a registration form. Registered families will be contacted at the end of August when backpacks are ready for pick up.

Sarah Krenn
Community Impact/Volunteer Center Coordinator
Marshfield Area United Way
P.O. Box 771
384-9992
unitedway.sarah@tznet.com