Students Get Free School Supplies, Haircuts, Shoes, and More on August 8

If money has been a bit tight lately, and Back-to-School is putting even more of a strain on your wallet, don’t despair. Stop in Monday, August 8, at the Milbank Visitor Center to get free school supplies and other Back-to-School treats.

The Grant County Christian Service Council, along with Interlakes Community Action, Shopko, Grant County Combined Appeal, and Feeding South Dakota will sponsor a Back-to-School Event Monday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Milbank Visitor Center. The event is for families who have difficulty purchasing school supplies and items for the upcoming school year.

Shopko employees presented Janet Loeschke and LeAnn Kuper, council representatives, and Heather Rise with ICAP a $500 donation towards the event. “With that money, each child will receive a voucher to use at Shopko to purchase a new pair of athletic shoes, socks, and underwear,” said Rise.
Christian Service Council has provided school supplies and a backpack for families for many years. This year the council is partnering with Feeding South Dakota to provide food boxes in addition to school supplies and basic necessities. “Every family will receive a food box with 60 pounds of food,” stated Rise. “It will be like a mini grocery store. The families will choose items from frozen meat, canned and boxed foods, and fresh produce.”

A picnic lunch for the entire family will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free family photos will be taken by VPD Studio. Children will also receive a voucher for a free haircut to the salon of their choice and a voucher to purchase a school pride shirt during school registration.

Last year the council provided school items to over 130 children. The service is for Grant County families. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, August 3. To apply for the service, contact Heather Rise at Interlakes Community Action in the Grant County Courthouse. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Heather at 432-6571 to schedule an appointment. Families will not be turned away if unable to sign up before the day of the event.