Back to School Backpack Drive: Scotts Valley VCUM

While it seems that the school season has barely ended, Valley Churches United Missions is preparing for the next term. There’s nothing like a new backpack, a blank notebook and good writing utensils on the first day of school. To many returning students these basic items are a symbol of fitting in. As one donor said, “When kids are embarrassed because they aren’t like the others, they can’t pay attention to learning.”

It’s important that all students are prepared for their lessons and have the proper tools to complete their homework assignments. In addition, many low-income children living in marginal housing or long distances from school need shoes. VCUM supplies gift cards for this purpose. Gas for transportation may not always be available if the family is fortunate enough to have a car (tough choices for families).

Nearly 40% of families seeking food come from households with at least one working adult.

Operations Director of Valley Churches United Missions, Linda Lovelace announced a recent donation from the Scotts Valley Host Lions & Rotary Club members of Scotts Valley. They provided 60 new backpacks stuffed with school supplies to VCUM. Linda Lovelace was there to receive the donation.

Lovelace said, “These local service clubs always lend big support to VCUM programs. They have generously given to the back to school project for several years increasing the number of items donated each time. Our deepest gratitude extends to Steve Brown, Marc Winquist, Konrad Baumert and Randy Klein for delivering the goodies that so many of their club members worked to provide.”

VCUM does not receive government or taxpayer funds. They reach out to the greater community for support. You can help in many ways. Join Ben Lomond and Scotts Valley Markets’ frequent shopper club and designate VCUM Education as the recipient. Sponsor a student for $40.00, (or any portion thereof). This provides a new backpack, notebooks, binders, paper, pens & pencils, dividers, rulers, dictionaries, calculators, high-liters, erasers, markers, folders & supplies for reports, and a new pair of shoes.

VCUM served over 250 needy students in 2012 at Scotts Valley & San Lorenzo Valley schools. Any donations earmarked “Backpacks” will be designated for this campaign and 100% of the funding will benefit the children.

“We all know it takes every resource available in our community,” said Lovelace, “To guide our children and invest in their and our future success. We anticipate an increase in requests for 2013. Please consider helping us meet this challenge.”

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Backpack Drive: Please No red or blue Backpacks

1 ½ – 2”, 3-Ring Binders • Pens & Pencils • Colored Pencils • Pencil Sharpener • Erasers (not pencil top) • Scissors Blunt & Regular • Dictionary • College Ruled Paper • Spiral Notebook • Wide Ruled Paper • Highlighters • Glue Sticks • Index Cards • Mini Stapler • Plastic Ruler • Washable Markers • Dry Erase Markers • Crayons • PeeChee Folders • Dividers • Pencil Pouches • Scientific Calculators

Donations may be made online @ vcum.org or mailed to VCUM (Backpacks) PO Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Purchased supplies may be dropped off at:

• VCUM Office at 9400 Highway 9, BL: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• S.V. Chamber of Commerce: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• BL Gas Station: 7 days a week – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Distribution will begin in August. Pre-registration required! Day & time to be arranged at registration.

For more information please call 336-8258 x221.