Backpacks, pencils, shoes, oh my!

Mt. Si Lutheran Church’s annual school supply distribution efforts proved successful this year, with nearly 300 students receiving everything they need to start the new school year.

For over a decade, the church has collaborated with several local partners to alleviate the financial burden associated with the start of each school year for K-12th graders and their families.

“Our main motivation is just giving families a chance not to have to worry about how they are going to come up with the increasing costs for specialized supplies for every age and classroom,” said Pastor Krista Johnson. “This year, it was a wild, wild ride. I think by the end of the first day, we’d given away 200 backpacks full of supplies.”

Working closely with teachers in the Snoqualmie Valley School District, the church determined what supplies each grade level would need before purchasing them with a portion of their yearly budget and monetary donations from the community. This year, the church spent nearly $3,000 on school supplies.

“St. Clare Episcopal in Snoqualmie had a connection with Bombas Socks, so they got us socks to hand out. Several other churches provided underwear this year and the food bank donated snack bags for all the students,” Johnson said. “That was the biggest thing that stood out to me this year, just seeing how many different groups banded together.”

The church welcomed families to shop around tables dedicated to backpacks, grade-specific school supply bags, shoes and food from Aug. 20-21.

“There was a lot of surprise at everything we had and you always hear lots of chatter of the kids getting excited about what they can grab.” Johnson said. “I just saw a lot of grateful folks.”

Leftover backpacks and supplies will be delivered to schools within the district and will be distributed to students as needed.

Photos courtesy of Mt. Si Lutheran