Back to School? Supply Drive Helps Families Prepare

A school supply fundraiser is helping kids get excited about returning to school, while taking the financial sting out of shopping for families.

“The supplies the families receive is one small portion of it,” said Bethel Metz, coordinator of the fundraiser being held at in Saukville. “The other part of it is the conversation. The smile you give to the kids, getting them excited for the school year, talking to the parents and finding out what types of situations they're in that now they're in need of receiving aid."

Metz expects hundreds of people to attend the distribution day from 2 to 7 p.m. August 23 at St. Peters Church.

People are not required to show income verification, but are encouraged to only take items they really need and reuse anything they may have at home.

"My biggest thing is I don't want to see people standing in line with their heads hanging at their feet,” Metz said. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. What we try to do is make it as upbeat and fun as possible."

In addition to handing out school supplies, the distribution day includes music, face painting and a large cookout organized by members of St. Peter’s Church.

The fundraiser has quickly grown in the past three years. The first one — held in 2009 — raised enough new supplies for 600 students. Last year, got involved by collecting more than $2,200 in supplies and donating 12,000 pencils. More than two dozen employees also volunteered at the event. also donated $1,000 worth of new backpacks. About 700 students were helped in 2010, with 160 new pairs of shoes also donated.

"I think the need is just more visible," said Ruth Lansing of Harris Bank. "We're more aware of it because we know people who've fallen on some hard times in the past few years."

Metz estimates more than $8,000 in supplies this year.

Going through a child’s school supply list can be overwhelming, so volunteers are on hand to assist families.

"I know personally what a relief it is and how it feels." said Niki, a volunteer with the fundraiser and a donation recipient.

As a mother of two, Niki was so inspired by the first event she decided to volunteer at future fundraisers. "It takes a heavy load off my shoulders, that I have a place to go."

Niki recommends parents bring their child’s school supply list when they come to the distribution day.

From helping children find what they need to making sure people get a hot meal, Niki says she’s excited about volunteering this year. She encourages people to give back in any way they can, whether that’s donating money, supplies or volunteering their time.

"If you have the ability to give back in some way, you should do so," she said.

"To me, this is a community effort,” Lansing said. “To make sure we're all involved to help kids get ready for school."

Drop off sites for the collection, which runs through August 13, can be found at any Harris or M&I bank locations in Ozaukee County, the and St. Peter’s Church in Saukville. See the attached list to this story for more information on which supplies the fundraiser seeks. If you would like to volunteer at the distribution day, contact Metz at 284-6876.

“It makes me proud to be a member of this community when I do see how they rally,” Metz said.

Events like these, she said, help build a stronger sense of belonging.

“I firmly believe there's a direct link with a child getting their roots in this community after seeing how they are helped."