Every year, the Samaritan Center works with parents, local schools and community partners to put together a school supply drive called Stock their Lockers. For this program our case managers set up a room where kids who are part of this program get the joy of picking out new school supplies. Students will come to the Samaritan Center to go ‘back to school shopping’ each child picks out new notebooks, backpacks, toiletries and other items!
However, this year was much different. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Stock their Lockers had to change plans. Instead of students ‘going shopping’ in a room full of school supplies, case managers pre-prepared backpacks with supplies for the students. Once the supplies were prepared, parents were able to make an appointment to stop by and pick up their child’s backpack.
“We get to pick out items in anticipation of what the kids will enjoy.’ Said Sarah Young, Social Services Support. Sarah was able to help a middle school student named Kimmy, in her request form, Kimmy asked for a sequin backpack. It was special that Sarah was able to prepare the backpack that Kimmy truly wanted.
Though each backpack was filled with items unique to each child, family and school, many of the items were the same. This year masks were added, along with pencils, notebooks, binders and paper all with the child’s favorite characters and colors on them. Most students also received a gift certificate to the Samaritan Center to get clothes or items they need. Special items that are not on school supply lists are also provided. These items include toothbrushes, socks and underwear, as well as feminine hygiene kits for girls to keep in their lockers.
Along with students and families, the Samaritan Center was able to assist community partners with their needs. A long-time partner, the Maclellan Shelter, received $938 in school supplies from the Samaritan Center. Another local organization, the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, received $937 in school supplies from the Samaritan Center.
“We like to assist community partners that pickup vulnerable populations.” Said Sharon Smith-Hensley, Social Services Director.
Though this year our Stock their Lockers program looked very different, it was no less impactful. The Samaritan Center partnered with other organizations and gave out many school supplies to children in need. We were able to support our community, fellow organizations and vulnerable populations. Though this program has ended, we are still serving the physical, spiritual and social needs of our community.