LINCOLN -- The Lincoln Back-to-School Bonanza, started nine years ago at Central United Methodist Church, has moved to three different locations since then and changes are still being made to accommodate the many families coming each year.
Sarah Simmons, a member of the church, helped with the first Bonanza and has seen the pairs of shoes given out double since the first one in 2010.
"This is my community, where I've lived my whole life," said Simmons, who is a master teacher at Lincoln High School. "I know the need is great. I see it everyday."
Andy Newbill, former pastor with the church, and his wife DeNese started the Bonanza after volunteering the year before with the Back-to-School Bonanza sponsored by Farmington United Methodist Church.
The first year, Lincoln volunteers gave out 75 backpacks, 80 pairs of shoes and 58 school kits. The first Bonanza served 65 families and about 140 children.
For 2018, Lincoln served 165 children in the Lincoln Consolidated School District.
From the church, the Bonanza moved to the National Guard Armory and then to the community building on Lincoln Square. Now, it is held at Lincoln Elementary School.
This year, the Bonanza moved the shoe area from the stage in the school's cafeteria to the art room. Children came into the art room and received a free pair of socks before sitting down to try on new shoes.
Simmons said organizers decided to use the art room because they needed more space and wanted to improve the flow of traffic.
She has seen attendance increase and hopes it will continue to go up.
At the same time, she said the Bonanza would not be possible without its sponsors. Lincoln Bright Futures partners with the church to host the event but they couldn't do it without the community sponsors, Simmons said.
She would like to see others become involved in the future and encouraged people in the community, other churches and organizations to call if they would like to help.
"To be part of an organization and community that is for the kids is great," Simmons said. "We always need more funds, more volunteers and more space."
Along with free haircuts, backpacks, socks and shoes, the Bonanza also provides information to families about different programs and services.
Aramark Food Service set up a table to share information about good nutrition and talk about the school district's nutrition program. Representatives of the Hippy program also had a table to tell about that service.
Destenie Derrick of Evansville said she appreciated the assistance for her five children. This was her first time to come to Lincoln's Bonanza.
It's really nice they are helping the parents out," Derrick said. "Especially parents with a lot of kids like me."
Mary Alice Mixon brought her granddaughter, Jazmin, to pick up a new backpack, new shoes and get a free haircut.
"This helps," Mixon said.
Her granddaughter was excited about a new pair of tennis shoes and matching socks but especially liked her new, shorter hairstyle.
Lacey Oxford with Only Prettier Salon in Farmington has volunteered to give haircuts for three years. She said she returns each year because she likes to see "little kids be happy."
General News on 08/15/2018