Christian Service Council Back-To-School Event Exceeds Expectations

The Back-To-School event, sponsored by the Grant County Christian Service Council, exceeded expectations Monday by serving more children and families in the area.

“We gave supplies to 136 kids ranging in age from preschool to 12^th grade,” noted Janet Loeschke, council representative. “That represents 62 families. The results are quite impressive and far more than we anticipated.”

Following the event, Steph Bagaus of Interlakes Community Action, Inc., had requests for assistance from five additional families Monday afternoon. “Somehow the council will serve them,” stated Loeschke.

Requests for approximately 100 kids were made prior to the event through Bagaus’ office. Of those, all but 10 to 12 attended the Back-To-School event Monday. Those that were unable to attend can pick up their backpacks filled with supplies at the ICAP office.

In addition, around a dozen Kids Hope families were given vouchers for a free School Pride shirt, haircut and family photo. Kids Hope is a mentoring program for at-risk elementary-age students and is run through the Central United Methodist Church.

In the past, the council has distributed school supplies to approximately 110 children. With generous donations, the council was able to add vouchers for haircuts, school pride hoodies and a family photo session with VPD Studio this year.

Schools represented Monday were Milbank, St. Lawrence, Grant-Deuel, Big Stone City, Waverly-South Shore, and Ortonville, MN.

Volunteers for the event included: Loeschke, LeAnn Kuper, Cheryl Sieverson, Madi Schulte, Wes Bowsher, Carol Angerhofer, Anne Schulte, Jose Chen, Angel Chen, Kristi Liebe, Shirone Spolar, Deb Bowsher, Craig Weinberg, Sarah Weinberg, Julie Ludwig, Haeley Seehafer, Kassidy Wellnitz, and LouAnn Kiemele.

Click here to see photos from this event!