Last week, on August 21, WayForward Resources’ Back to School program held its annual distribution of backpacks and school supplies to students from 4K to college. Excited kids arrived throughout the day, some immediately knowing what they wanted, while others took their time to decide on a backpack that was right for them, and left with smiles and a skip in their step, ready to start school.

The entire effort would not have been possible without the generous contributions of time and funds from many, which enabled us to assemble 575 backpacks with school supplies, plus 20 college supply bags. A big thank you to:

Our wonderful volunteers: Lynn Metz, who put in many hours–without her help, this program would be difficult to pull off; Amelia Kim, who volunteered throughout the summer; Future Foam, who moved everything from our office to St. Luke’s; volunteers who helped pack and give away the backpacks, and those who helped bring items back to WayForward after the event.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, our host, welcomed us into their church and provided the use of their Friendship Hall, making it possible for us to sort supplies, fill backpacks, and welcome students and their families. Additionally, they also held a school supply drive.

Middleton Public Library added to the fun of distribution day by bringing 600 books to give away free to all the kids. 

The community’s response to our request for support! It was amazing to see the donations come in over the past three months, including items delivered from our Amazon wishlist, donations of school supplies dropped off, and financial contributions. 

The many companies, organizations, and individuals who ran drives to collect school supplies, including:

Artis REIT
Burn Boot Camp Middleton
City of Middleton  
Dale Heights Presbyterian Church 
Exact Sciences  
Fickett Structural Solutions  
Forvis Mazars  
Junction Ridge Neighborhood Association  
Kirsch Enchanted Valley Acres  
Lutheran Church of the Living Christ  
No Fear Dentistry – Madison
McClone Insurance 
Middleton Community Church UCC  
Rosewood Resident’s Fund  
St. Dunstan’s Church
St. Martin’s Lutheran Church 
Standard Imaging  
TDS  
Thermo Fisher Scientific  
Vierbicher  
Will Rothering and Drew Onopa

See more Back to School photos on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Thank you to everyone who helped kids in our community start school ready to learn by donating school supplies or funds!