School is back in session! — Salvation Army of Mahaska County, Sieda Community Action, and United Way of Mahaska County are wrapping up Operation Backpack for the 2016-2017 school year. Thanks to the generosity of the Mahaska County community, this year the program was able to supply almost 400 backpacks filled with supplies to students in the Oskaloosa, North Mahaska, and Eddyville/Blakesburg/ Fremont districts, as well as Webster Preschool. In the next few weeks, extra supplies donated to the program will make their way to school supply closets, where they will continue to help students and teachers throughout the school year.

Aside from individual donations, several groups stepped up to help Operation Backpack this year. The Oskaloosa Community School District Transportation Department helped host Stuff the Bus by lending an actual bus for use during the event. Several groups including the Elks Club, VFW Auxiliary, Bank Iowa of Fremont, US Bank of New Sharon, and Musco lighting held supplementary supply drives to collect donations. Some groups, including Mahaska Drug and the Lions Club donated specific high-need items like backpacks and flash drives (respectively). A local daycare hosted a Back-to-School Bake Sale and raised money they then used to buy supplies for the program. Musco Lighting, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Posse, and Homestead of Oskaloosa all donated funds to Operation Backpack as well.

United Way, Salvation Army, and Sieda Community Action want to thank each and every member of the community who gave to Operation Backpack and more importantly, supported the students of Mahaska County. Because of their generosity, these students now have the tools they need to succeed!

Story provided by Osky News