Filling Backpacks, Finding Smiles

An estimated 600 children collected free school supplies during this year's Back to School program spearheaded by Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP).

“The Back to School program helps low income students begin the school year on an equal footing with other students,” says Jeremie Mercer, co-chair of the program.

Area residents, businesses and faith communities donated the school supplies. An estimated 100 volunteers then collected, sorted and distributed the school supplies. 

“I volunteer because these kids are our future,” Mercer explains. ”We have to at least give them the tools to be a successful student. The hard work is up to them.”

IOCP serves families living in Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Long Lake, Plymouth, Hamel, Medina and Medicine Lake.  

“We see kids from every school in our service area,” says Liz Erstad-Hicks, IOCP community engagement coordinator.

Families are appreciative of the school supplies. 

“Many parents don’t know how they’ll afford it and because of Back to School they don’t have to worry,” says Mercer.  “The reward is in the smiles on their faces, the ‘Thank you so much!’ and sometimes the tears in their eyes.”

IOCP began the Back to School program about 20 years ago. 

“We saw a jump in families receiving supplies in 2008, and we’ve had fairly consistent numbers since,” says Erstad-Hicks. “As families move on and find stability, new families are turning to us in times of crisis or instability.”

To qualify for IOCP services, a family undergoes an initial intake process with a staff member to determine that the family lives in the service area and to find the resources they need.

With the Back to School program now over, IOCP is preparing for its next major event, the annual Sleep Out to raise funds for emergency and affordable housing in the community.

To learn more about IOCP and its programs, go to www.iocp.org or visit its new headquarters at 1605 County Road 101 North in Plymouth.