Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Emersyn Sbraggia, 4, is all set to start kindergarten at the Hurley school after receiving her new backpack loaded with school supplies.
By JEAN NORDINE
Hurley - The Hurley Lioness free backpack program was held Tuesday afternoon at the Hurley school. Fifty excited Hurley elementary students received new backpacks loaded with school supplies they will need during the school year.
The program is sponsored by the Hurley Lioness Club, which has been in existence for 27 years. For the past 12 years its members have been handing out free backpacks to students from Northwoods Christian Academy, All Saints Academy, and the Ironwood and Hurley schools. The free backpack program originated from a suggestion by Lori Lorendo, a charter member of the Lioness club, who wanted to do something special for the kids of the area.
After the passing of Lorendo, six years ago, the Lioness members continue the program in her memory. Donations from area businesses, Lori's friends and the Lioness club pay for the supplies and the packs are assembled and distributed by club members.
Tuesday afternoon, Jenny Madden, Joyce Mullard and Pat Kangas -all three original charter club members - distributed the backpacks in the school's cafeteria. The project actually begins at the end of the school year when a letter is sent home with the students to inform their parents of the program. Over the summer the parents get back to the group as to whether they would like their child to receive a backpack. The list of students in then turned over to the teachers who compile a supply list according to what grade the student is in.
There is no criteria to be eligible for the backpacks, as Jenny Madden said, "this in not based on finances, we fill backpacks for anyone."
