Submitted by Gail Wallace
Benton County Human Services Council
On August 10, the Smart Start Back-to-School Fair was held at the John Boise Middle School. The annual event, sponsored by the Benton County Human Services Council, is to help the students of Benton County be prepared for school by receiving basic school supplies needed for Cole Camp, Lincoln and Warsaw schools.
A “Stuff the Box” contest was held at local businesses including; Shirley’s Highway Café, Suzie Brodersen State Farm Insurance, Lincoln’s Antique Mall, Pump ‘N Munch, and Citizens Farmers Bank. The total items collected was 791 and Shirley’s Highway Café was the contest winner with 446 items collected.
Donations from numerous community organizations and individuals totaled $5,190 and are the reason that this event is made possible. A grant of $1,000 from the Benton County Community Foundation was included in the amount this year. The foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Benton County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership.
The event served approximately 500 students this year. Students had the opportunity to receive a backpack from the Elks Lodge, visit booths of vendors from BCYC, Katy Trail Community Health, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, Benton County Health Department, Boy Scouts, Hope5One, Benton County Early Learning Center (Head Start), Division of Social Services, Compass Health, Care Connections, Center for Human Services and Jonna Arnett (Warsaw R-IX School District), before picking up their free supplies. Refreshments for the vendors were supplied by the Paradise Point Beach Women’s Club and free haircuts were provided by Susanne Bechtel from “Hair” Salon. Steven and his crew at Warsaw Walmart were a tremendous help in gathering all supplies ordered and the janitorial staff at JBMS assisted with set up and tear down.
The Benton County Human Services Council appreciates every donation of finance, volunteer time, and supplies to assure the success of this event!
