LINCOLN -- With the help of many volunteers and organizations in Lincoln, more than than 170 children are ready for the start of a new school year.
The Lincoln Back-to-School Bonanza moved to Lincoln Elementary School's cafeteria this year and the larger space was used to hand out new backpacks and socks and shoes to 177 children in kindergarten through seventh grade. The bonanza helped 67 families.
Many children stood in line to have their photos made for an identification card from the Washington County Sheriff's Department and others spruced up with new haircuts from area stylists volunteering their time.
"This is very helpful," said Chrissy Cuzick of Lincoln. She brought her three children, including 4-year-old twins, to the Bonanza. "It offsets some costs for back to school."
Mary Grant is on a fixed income and living on disability with three boys in school in Lincoln.
"This really helps for the start of school," Grant said.
The seventh annual Bonanza moved from the community building on Lincoln Square this year to see how it worked in a larger space. At first, families lined up on the sidewalk under the awning going into the cafeteria but thunder and lightning in the area caused organizers to change the flow so that families then came through one of the front doors and walked down the hallway to the cafeteria.
Once inside the cafeteria, families took turns going to different stations to receive free items and free services.
Central United Methodist Church of Lincoln sponsors the Back to School Bonanza with help from Lincoln Area Kiwanis Club, Bright Futures Lincoln, school groups and clubs, teachers and others from the community.
Gary Lunsford, church pastor, said he thought the elementary school was a good possibility for the community event in the future.
His wife, Marty Lunsford, said the Bonanza meets many needs in the community and also provides a social outlet for the community.
"We're just thrilled it's such a good turnout," Marty Lunsford said. "It's a wonderful thing to give back to the community."
It's important, she said, that children have as much as possible on the first day of school so that they don't feel left out.
"This is one of the highlights of the year for us. Yes, it's a lot of work but it is so worth it."
Her favorite part of the evening, Lunsford said, is seeing the children's happy faces as they receive a new pair of tennis shoes, a new pair of socks and a new haircut.
General News on 08/17/2016