Back to School Program

"LETTING GO"---BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT

Like a nurturing mother watching her child go off to school, many of us who have volunteered/nurtured the Back to School backpack program for years are "letting go" and watching as the project moves on. Over the 14 years that this program has been providing backpacks and supplies for students, many wonderful JLEC women have given many hours of time/love to see this project succeed. During the four year process of transfering the project, Tracey Smiskey (Boys & Girls Club) and Marianne Klinhammer (JLEC) have been teaming up leading us through a smooth transition. In 2010, Tracey will continue as Chair of the project with the help of interns from the University.

Officially, this is the last year (2009) that JLEC will be a part of the Back to School project. It will be under the leadership of the Boys & Girls Club umbrella of projects for the youth in the Chippewa Valley beginning this September. However, League members will always be needed to volunteer time to pack the backpacks and assist in any possible way. JLEC members will be welcomed with open arms.

This year, on August 12th, 900 backpacks were filled with supplies according to the grade level of the registered students. On August 13th, many happy smiling children selected their backpacks and will begin their school year with confidence knowing they have the needed supplies. With the economy hitting the giving spirit of many, this year we needed to scale back the program to students in Eau Claire and Altoona public schools due to limited funds.

Also, on August 13th, WAYY had the Back to School Bucks Radiothon collecting money for this program. Bruce Butler was at the Coffee Grounds accepting donations and auction items for 12 hours - 6:00am to 6:00pm. A huge thank you goes out to Bruce, WAYY, Coffee Grounds, Indianhead Foods and many other businesses who donated items. This year's response from listeners was better than expected, but still down from the a few years ago. THANK YOU to all who donated.

Once again, a huge THANK YOU to those actives and sustainers who so willing assisted with this project again this year!!

Marianne Klinkhammer - JLEC Co-chair

History of the Back To School Project
Junior League’s signature project, The Back to School Program, was adopted in 1996. This program was originally created in the early 1990's by the Women's Studies at UWEC in collaboration with Grace Lutheran Church. The project provides necessary backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty in Eau Claire county. Junior League is proud to be able to make a positive difference in a child’s self-esteem as they begin the school year.

Registration for backpacks:
The local school district mails out registration forms at the end of each school year to the parents/guardians of eligible children. Please fill out form completely and mail directly to the Junior League of Eau Claire office (do not send form to school with your children).

Photo: Back to School Bucks - Fundraiser