Community comes together

Kids get ready for school in style

BY PAM STEVENS | EDITOR School is starting in just one week and parents are doing their best to get their kids ready for the big day. School supplies, backpacks and new clothes to show off to their friends are necessary to help kids of all ages start the school year out right.

On Sunday, families gathered at the Lake Stevens Family Center where volunteers helped the children pick out the perfect backpack, which was already filled with all of the school supplies they would need, and then each child got to go and pick out gently used clothing and new shoes. Many even received haircuts, all free of charge for those who need an extra helping hand.

None of this could have been accomplished if it weren’t for the many people and service groups who came together and donated money, time, supplies and clothing.

“I am so impressed with the level of support and volunteerism in this community in addressing the needs of our children by giving them the opportunity to begin the new school year with the same excitement as their friends,” Kathleen Friend, Director of the Family Center said. “My greatest desire is that everyone who made this day possible for all of these children are aware of how very much their kindness and generosity is appreciated by myself, the Family Center staff and volunteers, the families and most importantly the children."

The end result was that over 300 stuffed backpacks were prepared with 157 given out that day, 29 children received back-to-school haircuts. In addition, families got to choose free books to get them back into the habit of reading. Homeless youth were offered toiletry kits.

“The smiles on the faces of all of the kids who were able to pick out that perfect backpack or show off their stylin' new hair-do, the gratitude of parents and hugs of thanks from the children has been worth all of the hard work and heart-felt devotion that everyone has put into this event,” Friend said.

Parents know the expense of getting kids ready for school and were grateful that help was given to ease the financial burden.

“It is just one less thing I have to worry about,” Cheryl Silver said.
The Family Center is grateful for all of the clothes and supplies donated by the citizens of Lake Stevens who are always willing to help others in the community.

“We have a very generous community, and we celebrate the partnerships that made this event such a success,” Linda Rudat of the Family Center said.

If you have children in need of backpacks and school supplies, please contact the Family Center at 425-397-7933.

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