Back-to-school time is right around the corner and area businesses are already stocking up on school supplies that will equip youngsters for another year of learning.
Because there are Borderland families who are unable to purchase school supplies for their children, a “learning tree” project has been established by members of the Falls Rotary Club and the Evangelical Covenant Church in an effort to help needy families in Koochiching County with school supply and clothing needs.
“In a small town, you don’t always think there are that many people needing help,” said Joe Nikolanci, one of the project’s coordinators. “This year, we have more than 120 kids signed up.”
Nikolanci said a learning tree is placed at five locations: Super One, City Drug, United HealthCare, Curves and the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Hanging from the learning trees are apples with a shopping list. Kids ages 5 to 17 wrote their needs on the tree’s apples. Each apple lists five school supplies and three clothing item the child wishes to have for school.
“It is the most rewarding experience seeing the children get to pick up their backpacks and new clothes,” said Nikolanci. “They are so excited and thrilled.”
Shoppers have until 5 p.m. Aug. 23 to drop off their purchases at the location where they took a tag from. Once all the items are collected, families will be contacted to pick up their supplies before the first day of school.
Nikolanci said the project’s organizers appreciate each contribution made toward this cause. People may also drop off supplies or a donation at any of the five locations. Monetary donations should be made out to Rotary, P.O. Box 47, International Falls, MN 56649.
“We just want kids to have a good school experience,” Nikolanci concluded. “We want them to be equipped with the supplies they need. We want them to fit in.”
