Parents invited to “stock up” on school supplies in August
This month families are invited to gather at fun “School Stock Up Backpack Giveaway” events at Lebanon Lutheran Church in Whitehall and The Gateway Church in Spring Lake to receive free backpacks stocked with school supplies. Both events include free hot dogs, hands-on activities, resource tables, and free vision and hearing screenings. Between the two churches, 800 backpacks will be distributed!
Lebanon Lutheran Church will host their event on Thursday, August 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 1101 South Mears Avenue.
The Gateway Church stock up event will be held on Wednesday, August 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with an optional, walk-in pre-registration on Monday, August 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Each child must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian and an ID is required for both adults and children. Supplies are limited and are given away on a first come, first served basis.
Both churches have partnered with area businesses and organizations to offer the popular events each year. This year’s sponsors include Arconic, Dog ‘n Suds Drive-In of Montague, Master Tag, Meijer, Thrivent Financial Services, and Walmart.
Pastor Ben Vegh of The Gateway Church said, “We want to help ease the financial demand that preparing to go back to school can have on families.” Vegh said it costs between ten and twenty dollars to purchase a backpack and the supplies inside. Both churches are still raising funds to help pay for the items.
“We have a strong team of folks dedicated to serving the families who live in our communities,” said Lebanon Lutheran’s Pastor Doug Ogden. “Seeing a child’s ear-to-ear grin when they receive their backpack makes it all worth it,” he added.
For more information about these events, contact the office at Lebanon Lutheran Church at 231-893-5745
or the office at The Gateway Church at 231-799-2141.