Hastings City Bank and the Barry County United Way are again providing backpacks and school supplies to Barry County students this year. The gifts go to new students in kindergarten up to seniors in high school who need that additional support for the coming school year.
Donations will be accepted until Aug. 26. Distribution is Aug. 29.
“Community members who would like to contribute school supplies are invited to drop those off at any Hastings City Bank branch," said Nancy Goodin, marketing director at the bank. “Our employees are really excited about helping with this special project and we hope our friends and customers will join us in this project, as well.”
Donations can be dropped off at any Hastings City Bank Branch, the Hastings Police Department, Southside Pediatrics and the Barry County United Way office in Hastings.
Children living in homes at 200 percent of the poverty level or below and interested in receiving a backpack should call the Barry County United Way at 269-945-4010 to their determine eligibility.
When eligibility is confirmed, a time will be scheduled for the child to “shop” for their supplies. //
Last year, 360 children received school supplies and a backpack.
In addition to new backpacks without wheels, items needed for each backpack include:
Middle / High School Level Elementary School Level
5 – notebooks scissors
5 – pocket folders pencils
calculators pencil box
pencils colored pencils
colored pencils washable markers
colored markers glue sticks
highlighters hand sanitizer
1" three ring binders construction paper
dry erase markers and erasers crayons
lined paper for three ring binder ruler
index cards crayons
pens pencil sharpener with lid
sharpies
compass
mouse for computer
earbuds
Pre-K and Young 5’s
a box of pencils 12-16 color crayons
highlighters (1-2) 2 glue sticks
pencil top erasers 2 cardboard pocket folder
2 dry erase markers blunt tipped scissors
tissue boxes pencil box
water bottle hand sanitizer
“This program will allow families to focus on their basic needs instead of how to include this added expense in their monthly budget,” said Lani Forbes, Executive Director of Barry County United Way. "Each year we see an increase in the number of families that need assistance purchasing school supplies so we are very thankful that Hastings City Bank and so many others are partnering with us on this project.”
“One of my favorite parts of this program is that the children get choices – they choose which backpack, pencil box, scissors, notebooks, etc. It gives them a sense of ownership and they feel good heading off to school with their choice of school supplies,” Goodin said. The backpacks go to families referred by local agencies such as DHS, Kinship Care, CASA for Kids and Barry County Cares.
This year, Grace Lutheran Church will be providing the supplies and backpacks for PreK and Young 5’s. “We are looking forward to providing our assistance to the youngest of those starting their education experience,” Pastor Paul Kuhlman said.
“We have already had many community members stop in to drop off items,” Forbes said. “Mrs. Franscisco’s 6th grade leadership classes from Thornapple Kellogg Schools started off the collections this year.” Hastings First Presbyterian Church, Hastings United Methodist Church and Welcome Corners have also joined the partnership.
Questions? Call Barry County United Way, 269-945-4010.
