Annual Distribution Program Planned for Back-to-School Event

CrossNet Ministries needs help filling more than a few backpacks with back-to-school items. Corrine Horning, community events and outreach manager with CrossNet, reported that the organization gave out 725 of the 750 backpacks that were prepared for the 2024 Backpack Program. This year, Horning plans to fill 800 backpacks in anticipation of giving away even more.

To gather the necessary items for the program, up to 15 donation bins are distributed throughout the community. This year, those bins will be delivered to churches, businesses, and various other local organizations on Thursday, June 19. Horning expected to place collection bins at Christian Fellowship Church, Ephrata National Bank, Hinkletown Mennonite Church, and Bank of Bird-in-Hand in Bird-in-Hand, among other locations. Requested items are new, sturdy backpacks for students of all ages, along with pens, spiral tablets, pocket folders, rulers, notebook paper, three-ring binders, highlighters, water-based markers, safety scissors, crayons, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, index cards, glue sticks, erasers, and small tissue packets. There is a special need for certain items such as earbuds and, for upper grades, scientific calculators. Financial donations will also be accepted. For those who prefer to shop online for backpacks, an Amazon wish list is available at https://tinyurl.com/ancnwdrb.

Horning noted that CrossNet works with ELANCO School District teachers to know current student needs. "All (lists) for different grade levels have been updated for the current year based on teacher recommendations," she stated.

Physically filling the backpacks requires about 120 volunteers working weekdays from Tuesday, July 29, through Monday, Aug. 4. "The week before the (distribution) is sort week, and volunteers pack everything into 800 backpacks by grade level," Horning explained, noting that volunteers can work as little as one-hour shifts. Individuals interested in volunteering may visit http://www.elancocross.org and look under "News and Stories" for "2025 CrossNet Backpack Program."

Another 20 volunteers will be needed on distribution day, which is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the CrossNet Ministries Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland. Backpacks filled with school supplies will be available for all ELANCO School District students entering kindergarten through grade 12 who are participating in free and reduced-cost lunch programs. Proof of residency in the school district, such as an electric or phone bill or a student identification card, will be necessary to receive a free backpack.

In addition to backpacks, other resources will be available such as free haircuts on a first-come, first-served basis. An ELANCO School District representative, CrossNet Ministries staff members, and a Community Action Partnership Parents as Teachers representative will be available to answer questions.

Free food items, which will be provided while supplies last, will include hot dogs, snacks, beverages, and ice cream.

Any leftover backpacks will be given away through churches and the school district on an as-needed basis.