SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Since Project S.O.S. (Supply Our Students) started in 1989, the demand for school supplies has increased drastically.
“Every year, the number goes up, the city grows, the school district grows. And so there’s more children that benefit from the S.O.S. program,” executive director of The Banquet, Tamera Jerke-Liesinger said.
The executive director of The Banquet, Tamera Jerke-Liesinger says this could be their biggest giveaway ever if they reach 7,000 bags by the end of the week.
“Project S.O.S. has helped 150,000 children in our community. So when you think about that over several generations, there’s been a lot of students that have benefited from being able to be part of Project S.O.S. This year, we’re projecting to give out approximately 7,000 bags,” Jerke-Liesinger said.
Although the distribution is in Sioux Falls, Project S.O.S. has seen families come from all over. Jerke-Liesinger said one family came from Flandreu to pick up school supplies.
“The need is outside of Sioux Falls. This spans all across South Dakota and even farther than that. So being able to have this program for the kids and the parents is very beneficial,” Shari Vanderwoude, a volunteer, said.
One reason behind the increase could be inflation.
“We’ve heard that a lot this year. We’ve had people a lot of families this year who have never used projects S.O.S. before,” Jerke-Liesinger, said. “But because of that reason, things are getting expensive, money’s getting a little tight. They reached out to us to help the family get the supplies their children need.”
Each giveaway day they’ve been able to distribute roughly 1,000 backpacks. The last backpack giveaway is on Saturday, Aug. 17.
To sign up for supplies click here.
To become a volunteer click here.
