BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) – Back-to-school shopping is in full swing as parents prepare their kids for another year. Part of that preparation involves getting all the right supplies.
Jan Stange has been part of the Brookings Family Back2School Project since it was founded in 2008.
“There were about 200 children that came maybe the first and second year. Then it has slowly grown since then. For the past 3 to 4 years, we’ve had about 550 children that have gone through,” Stange said.
The giveaway is available each year for students across Brookings County.
“So it’s more than just the Brookings Schools. It also includes Elkton and Deubrook, Sioux Valley, Sioux Valley Christian and St. Thomas More Catholic School.
When a student comes in to shop get a customized list that goes with their grade and the school they attend so they get exactly what they need.
Volunteer, Carter Holm, has been helping out since he could remember.
“I mean, school supplies, there some are pretty spendy things. So for anyone really to come here and just get free stuff, that’s huge,” Holm said.
Seeing kids light up when picking out their school gear is Holm’s favorite part.
“I think it’s cool because they get really excited. They pick out their own whatever markers or highlighters, just they like the different colored stuff. So it’s cool seeing that they’re excited to go back to school,” Holm said.
However, the giving doesn’t stop after their annual event.
“A lot of people don’t think school supplies after school has started. But if there are individuals that have a need, they will contact the school in the schools, know to contact us. And so we go through our supplies. So any time anybody has a donation will be happy to take it,” Stange said.
While the students shopped for supplies, parents also had their own section where they could learn about different resources in the community. Faith Reformed Church also gave away bicycles for kids in partnership with the Brookings Family Back2School Project.
