By Dr. Ferrell Miller
At the July 19 Celebration of Optimism gathering at the Hampton Inn in Junction City, the JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated $200.00 to the United Way’s Stuff the Bus program. Nichole Mader, United Way Director received the check and shared information about how United Way helps students be prepared for their school year.
Nichole stated that “the Stuff the Bus program will be held July 22 and 29 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Wal-Mart Super Center on Chestnut Street in Junction City. Donations of supplies for students at the various schools in USD 475, 473 and St. Xavier’s may be purchased and left with volunteers who will then sort the items and Stuff the Bus for delivery to schools. Items often needed and tend not to be donated include three ring binders, headphones, and dry erase markers. However, any donations are appreciated.”
Another program in which the United Way is helping students be prepared for school is the Adopt a Backpack program. “This is specific to a family who is low-income, the child is home schooled or attends an academy school and there has been a completed and approved application for assistance in receiving school supplies. There are 77 children signed up at this point”, Nichole said.
Nichole also told the Optimists that “the community continues to be supportive of students whose families may be struggling to purchase school supplies before the start of school.” JC Breakfast Optimist Club members will be present at the Wal-Mart Super Center on July 29 from 12:00 until 1:00 and encourages the community to continue to support Stuff the Bus and Adopt a Backpack either by purchasing and donating some school supplies or making a monetary donation.
Next week’s program at the Celebration of Optimism gather will be provided by Joe and Sheila Markley. They will give an update on the remodeling going on and upcoming events at the C.L. Hoover