by Karen Boeck/Linda McKinley
This year, 2024, our St Vincent de Paul Conference again supported a successful Back to School Program for our neighbors with school age children. Using the ServWare program, we were easily able to access the information on each family we had assisted in the current year that fits these criteria. With several volunteers helping, we called 100 families. After contacting each family, there were 39 for which we offered help. A total of 75 children received a $75 gift card to buy needed school supplies for the new school year. Additionally, this year we were able to provide Chromebooks (small laptop computers) to each of the families. These computers were donated to us by CityServe, a non-profit organization. Forty- two Chromebooks were given to families who stated their children would benefit from possessing this device.
The families who received these refurbished Chromebooks are aware they have become an essential tool in many schools today. In recent years, much of the students’ coursework has moved from printed books to on-line materials. Our conference was hoping to give the families we serve an equal opportunity to set their children up for an extraordinarily successful school year. Chromebooks were given to families from our SVdP pantry one evening late in July. Some brought their children, who were so excited to receive this Chromebook, in addition to the gift card. Families were also appreciative of the assistance due to tight budgets in the summer months. We are so thankful for the wonderful donation of the Chromebooks from CityServe. Our school drive is headed by a dedicated retired schoolteacher who still volunteers helping school children and continues to head this because that is dear to her heart!
