300 kids get KAP-PAK school supplies

MAT-SU -- Three hundred backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed free to low-income Mat-Su students at the beginning of this school year. This was the first year of the Kids Are People Inc. program. Families on the "free and reduced lunch program" qualified for a maximum of three backpacks. The free backpacks have no identifying features and are intended to give students the materials, encouragement and confidence to succeed, according to a release from KAP.

The local project was developed by KAP board President Deborah Price and was headed by longtime volunteer, mother and grandmother Trish Henderson. Assisting were Colony Middle School seventh-grade student Kelsey Custer and Kids Are People Inc. staff Rebecca Custer, Stacey Clinton and Mary Principe.

Backpacks and supplies were distributed from the KAP office based on responses from a Frontiersman notice and referrals from local human service providers including Behavioral Health Services, Alaska Public Assistance and Access Alaska. Packs were also distributed through Tanaina and Meadow Lakes elementary schools.

Supplies have been exhausted for this year.

Total cost of the program was $8,465 including $4,030 for materials, $2,560 value volunteer time and $1,875 KAP staff time.

Cum Laude sponsors of the project were First National Bank of Alaska and Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.

Supporting sponsors were: Diversified Tire, Phillips Conoco, Wells Fargo Bank Alaska, Amvets Auxiliary No.9, Matanuska Electric Association, Palmer Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 35, Mat-Su Realty, Palmer Auto Mall, Order of Eastern Star, Seventh Day Adventist Church of Palmer, Frontiersman Newspaper (for coverage) and Kids Are People, Inc.

KAP will accept donations of backpacks and school supplies throughout the year for distribution next August. Contact volunteer coordinator Trish Henderson at 357-8126.

The related Special Santa program is now accepting holiday toy donations. That volunteer effort is headed by MariJo Parks, 761-3770.