Summer is starting to wind down, and that means it’s almost back to school time for many children. I remember how much fun it was to go shopping for all the new school supplies I would need for the upcoming year. I loved picking out a new backpack and finding folders and notebooks with cool designs that matched my personality (many were pink and glittery…go figure!).
Unfortunately, starting a new school year is not always a happy time for kids because many parents cannot afford all the necessary school supplies. You might be thinking, “How much can a few pencils, pens and notebooks really cost?” But trust me, it adds up.
I joined a group of volunteers this past Saturday and helped put a smile on many kids’ and parents’ faces. We volunteered with Operation: Kid Equip (OKE) and passed out backpacks stuffed with school supplies and books to families in Oakland County. Just like when we handed out dictionaries to third graders, it was an amazing experience to see how something as simple as backpacks and books could bring so much joy to a child.
Each child who received a backpack made thank you letters for donors. Some were extremely heartfelt and difficult to read because many children wrote that if it wasn’t for OKE, they wouldn’t have school supplies this year. Another child expressed gratitude because his parents couldn’t afford everything he needed to start the new school year.
Want to lend a hand? OKE will have its final backpack distribution this Saturday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Warren City Hall. There will be a ton of other activities, like a visit from Yak, the furry mascot for a kid’s publication called Yak’s Corner, a book signing by local children’s book author Tara Michener and free obesity screenings from Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Find all the details here.
I fully realize that many of us are bombarded with “help us” requests from charities, but if you don’t have time to volunteer and want to help OKE continue giving free school supplies to kids, you can donate through the Chip In button on OKE’s home page.
Disclosure: I am an OKE board member. But I previously did, and would continue to support this organization, if I weren’t on the board because I believe in its mission.