“It’s that time of year again – back to school. It’s both an exciting and nerve-racking time for us all,” Maryann Zimmerman, director of the Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank stated in a post on Facebook.
In an effort to help ease that burden, the pantry has partnered with the Geneva Lakes Women’s Association and other area organizations to host a Back-to-School Market Day on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., for students in Walworth County. Note that registration for this event is requested to ensure there are enough supplies for all who plan to attend.
Zimmerman said as a mother of four, one of the most nerve-racking parts about back-to-school time was planning a budget to make sure each child got everything they needed on their back-to-school list while still paying our normal bills.
In 2019, Zimmerman shared in the post, households with students in grades 1 through 12 spent an average of $117 per child on back-to-school supplies.
“Working families, who already have little to no discretionary income, are faced with the decision between buying school supplies or using the money to pay the power bill or rent, or to put food on the table,” she said. “Every child deserves to have the best educational opportunities possible, but many lack the tools needed to succeed. Students require adequate school supplies to access quality education.”
Zimmerman said the goal of the event is to provide children with the supplies they need to allow them to succeed this school year.
Every student who attends the market will be able to pick out their own backpack and school supplies but that’s not all.
“(They’ll) meet local community officials, get free back to school swag and receive the well wishes of the community for a happy school year,” Zimmerman said.
And, as a bonus for moms, she said, there will be a special section to pick out some items for themselves.
In addition, Open Arms Free Clinic will be on site to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone who would like one. Those who receive a full vaccination will be able to receive a $10 gas card to Kwik Trip.
“If you or your family could use the gift of school supplies, we encourage you to register for this event,” Zimmerman said. “This will be a fun, community centered event with no judgment – only neighbors helping neighbors.”
Registration can be completed in person at the Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank or online by visiting walworthcountyfoodpantry.org. Once there, choose “News & Events” from the pull-down menu at the top of the home page and then selecting “School Days Market 2021.”
The Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank is at 205 Commerce Court, Elkhorn.
