The 8th annual ‘Back to School Celebration’ will be held this coming Saturday (August 27th) from noon to 4 p.m. at the Three Rivers Middle School – and additional support is needed for the project. During the celebration,” community members will distribute book bags filled with school supplies. In addition, food and entertainment will be provided for families that attend and information about community events and services that are pertinent to the families in our community will be circulated.
As noted in a fundraising letter from the Three Rivers Area Faith Community (TRAFC), “One of the challenges that families face is in providing some basic necessities for their children when it is time to return to school. Essentials such as book bags, paper, pens, pencils, calculators, etc., pose a financial burden for some parents and or guardians. This is especially true if caretakers have to provide for more than one child.”
The letter goes on to say, “Over the last six years we have provided over 3600 youth with book bags and/or school supplies. Recipients attend pre-school, area community schools, and Glen Oaks Community College. We have also provided book bags and supplies for customers served by area agencies such as Keystone Place, Community Mental Health, and Domestic Assault Sexual Assault Services (DASAS).”
“These year donations have decreased significantly for various reasons but more so due to the impact the economy has had on individuals and businesses alike. Although each year we set a goal to exceed the previous year, this year we hope to meet last year’s goal of 650 book bags filled with school supplies.
“We anticipate that the expenses will exceed $6000.00 dollars. Contributions from individuals and organizations in the community will help us to accomplish our goal. If your agency is able to make a financial contribution, please contact Pastor Tony Bennett at (269) 816-1888. Contributions should be made payable to the Three Rivers Area Faith Community (TRAFC), P.O Box 252, Three Rivers, MI, 49093. In addition, all agencies that serve children and families are encouraged to use this as an outreach activity. The only criteria are that agencies supply some education related item and perhaps provide an activity to engage families during the event.”
“Thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to help families reach their educational goals.”
Here’s a list of items needed for the ‘Back to School Celebration:’
Book Bags
- Elementary (small)
- Middle School (medium)
- High School (large)
24pk crayons
Glue sticks and
Elmer’s glue
500pk paper
Rulers
Kid scissors
Ink pens
Pencils
Pocket folders
Markers (washable)
1, 3, 5 Subject books
Theme books
Calculators
Index cards
For more information, contact Pastor Tony Bennett at (269) 816-1888.
For additional background regarding the project, click on the following link for a River Country Journal story about last year’s event: Book bags and more at ‘Back to School Celebration’
Editor’s Note: This post was modified at 11:58 p.m. 8-23-11 to correct the P.O. number listed for contributions to TRAFC.
