Heartland Receives Backing for Backpacks

While area school children have been enjoying a little down time and beating the heat of summer, the staff at Heartland Independent Living Center has been busy working on details of upcoming Back to School Fairs for the students of both Maries County school districts. 

“There has been outstanding response to this project.  We’ve seen so much generosity, from donations for supplies to area residents wanting to volunteer at the events,” said Tiffany Reid, Heartland’s Resource Development Coordinator.

A long-time supporter of Back to School programs, The Salvation Army donated $750 for the purchase of backpacks. 
Pictured left are Heartland Resource Development Coordinator Tiffany Reid, Senior Consumer Directed Services Specialist Maggie Brooks and local Salvation Army Representative Lorraine Bossaller.

School supplies are a financial hardship for many area families.  More than half of the 1,451 children enrolled in Maries County schools receive free or reduced-cost lunch, due to low household incomes. For parents of multiple school age children, the financial strain is greater. Families attending the Heartland-coordinated Back to School Fairs will receive a number of school supplies, as well as giveaways and resource information from participating vendors.   

Two fairs will be held.  The first is scheduled for July 18 at the Vienna Knights of Columbus Hall, and the second on July 25 in the lower level of the Bland Christian Church.  Both events will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.