LINCOLN -- The Lincoln Back To School Bonanza is a great way to start off a new school year: new shoes, new backpack and a new haircut.
The 8th annual event, sponsored by Central United Methodist Church in Lincoln and Lincoln Bright Futures, served 229 children from 91 families last week. This was an increase from the 2016 bonanza. Last year, 170 children received free items to prepare them for school.
"This is neat. The kids are excited and ready to come back to school," said Superintendent Mary Ann Spears, as she helped out during the three-hour event held Aug. 8 at Lincoln Elementary School.
Spears thanked many volunteers who gave up their evening to serve children in the area. Many students helped, including basketball players, high school leadership team, band members and members of the high school's FFA chapter.
Other volunteers included hair stylists who gave free haircuts, teachers, administrators and some from the community.
"We even have brand new teachers who haven't received a paycheck from us yet volunteering their time," Spears said.
Children, with parents in tow, lined up to take their turns to pick out a backpack and walk away with a pair of new shoes and a new pair of socks.
Shari Bailey of Westville, Okla., read about the Bonanza on a flyer in the grocery store and she brought eight children, ranging in age from 3 to 13.
"It helped a lot," Bailey said. "I think it's nice of them to do this."
Crystal Carr of Lincoln said she appreciates the help for her children.
"I think it's a good thing," Carr said. "It cuts down on some of the expenses for parents."
Other organizations were on hand to give out information to parents.
Washington County Sheriff's Office made Child Information Cards for parents that provide a child's weight, height and photo, along with fingerprints.
"If a child is missing, this gives us something to go on," said June Wood with the sheriff's office.
Krystal Leming of Lincoln watched as the staff took a photo of her daughter, Lilyana Chamberlain, 6.
Leming said she wanted to protect her daughter.
"This is just in case," Leming said. "There's a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world. It's better to be safe than sorry."
Another group called Bikers Against Child Abuse handed out business cards and brochures. Members of the group do not use their real names, only road names, and are available to help children who are being abused, whether verbally, physically or emotionally.
Hawkeye, public relations officer for the northwest chapter, said the bikers become involved only if there is documented abuse and their help is requested by the custodial parent.
"We are there to help the child," Hawkeye said.
This may involve going to court with a child or walking an abused child to school or maybe eating with a child at school.
"Whenever they are having problems with a perpetrator," Hawkeye said.
His group set up a booth to provide information to parents and make them aware of the organization.
General News on 08/16/2017