Bend Kids to Get Free Backpack, School Supplies

With the new school year right around the corner, many parents are scrambling to fill their kids’ backpacks. But for families who are struggling with finances, its more than just another errand to run. A locally based company and nonprofit are working together to try and relieve some of that stress for parents by providing kids with a backpack full of school supplies.

Every student who attends Bear Creek Elementary and Juniper Elementary in east Bend will get the tools they need to start the year off on the right foot. From pencils to erasers to notebooks, the kids will be ready to learn, and parents won’t have to rack up a pricy school supply shopping trip.

“It’s amazing how much it adds up,” said Jeanie Gross, a parent of four. “And when you have kids, it’s like, ‘Okay, there goes the budget for something else’.”

Gross and her family just moved to Bend last month. Her 6-year-old daughter, Lexie, will be attending Juniper Elementary in the fall. Gross says it’s a huge relief to not worry about shopping for back-to-school supplies.

“It’s a wonderful help,” Gross said. “Especially with being new to Bend and finishing with moving expenses.”

Gross’s daughter will be prepared this year, thanks to a $70,000 donation by the the American Licorice Co. to the non-profit, Kids In Need Foundation.

“We chose Bear Creek and Juniper based off of the kids who are on free and reduced lunch programs,” said Laurel Weiland with the American Licorice Co. “So we’re just thrilled to be able to support education here in our community in Bend.”

Bend-La Pine school officials say nearly 70 percent of the children at the two schools are in need of financial assistance. The donation will gear up more than 1,000 students locally.

“It’s something that I think so many people think, ‘Gosh doesn’t the kid at least have a pencil or a notebook?’ said Jeanne Mock with the Kids In Need Foundation. “But in reality, they don’t, and if food is the most important thing, school supplies are going to come far down on that list.”

It’s not just in Bend — the Ohio-based foundation has donated school supplies to students all over the country. Kids in La Port, Indiana, were thrilled to open their new back packs on the first day of school this week. It’s a basic need for students that can let them focus on making the year successful.

“I’m excited to meet my new friends and my new teacher,” Lexie said.

Kids and parents can come and pick up their backpacks during a back-to-school barbeque celebration. It will be held at both elementary schools on Aug. 31.