HUMBOLDT — Humboldt Elementary School is starting the school year in style by offering a night of free food, fun and — best of all — free school supplies.
Family Fun Night is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 15 at the USD 258 Sports Complex. There will be sack races, kickball, cup stacking relays and other activities. Hot dogs, chips and a drink will be provided free of charge from 6 to 7. All students, grades K-8, can pick up free school supplies any time during the event.
“We’ve never done anything like this before,” said Darcie Croisant, president and interim director of the Humboldt Recreation Commission.
The event came together with little time to prepare.
Still, organizers went in with an all-or-nothing attitude, Croisant said.
Their goal is to provide all of Humboldt’s elementary students with basic supplies they need to get through the school year.
Fortunately, they found a slew of generous sponsors to help. The school district, Monarch Cement Company, B&W Trailer Hitches, Personal Service Insurance and Community National Bank contributed about $1,500. Walmart also offered a $2,000 grant and Moon’s Hometown Market offered a discount on school supplies.
The group has a mound of supplies, such as paper, pencils, glue, crayons, etc.
Parents have only a couple of supplies they’ll still need: backpacks (for grades K-3) and ear buds or headphones. Some teachers may also request a water bottle.
“It’s gone off pretty smoothly, so far,” Croisant said. “I’m hoping to get started a little earlier next year.”
Croisant estimated buying school supplies for a kindergartner typically costs $30 to $40 per child. The price runs up to about $60 for first-graders. A family with two grade school children can spend up to $120, not counting other necessities, such as clothes or shoes.
Croisant hopes to relieve the financial burden on parents with the giveaway.
“It’ll alleviate stress and allow parents to send their kids to school with a smile on their face,” she said.
As a bonus, throwing a party for the occasion will help get the children excited for the new school year.
In the event of rain, the outdoor games will likely be canceled, but the free food and school supplies will still be available. Questions may be directed to Croisant at 620-228-0001.
School provides free supplies
