“We’re looking for children in need. So, basically, if your children are on free or reduced lunch, then they should qualify for a free backpack and school supplies. You just need to show up on Aug. 7 or 8, Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall at the North Judson United Methodist Church and we will have paperwork for you to fill out – a registration form for the children. The children have to be present with the parent or guardian,” Lewandowski explained.
Kids will receive a backpack, crayons, scissors, and just about everything they need to start the school year. Supply drives held last month went a long way in providing the items needed for the event, and Lewandowski said other fundraisers and donations are helping them continue with their mission.
“We’ve always known the need has been there. I’ve heard of kids that have told me stories that they have themselves taken things in for kids in their classroom that have needed things. So this is just an idea that stemmed from a child and we just decided to start the program in the spring of this year and it’s just a trial and error kind of thing. We’re trying to figure out how we can meet the needs of kids in this community,” Lewandowski said.
The program looks to help children in Starke County by providing them with the essentials they need for school. She said children are sent to the ministry at the recommendation of teachers or through Love INC, where children are screened and then turned over to the program for assistance.
