LIFELINE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY

2013 Super Service Challenge

The Service Project

The Lifeline Backpack giveaway and cookout at Brookmill Court Apartments in Ft. Wayne was held on August 8.

A group of community volunteers distributed backpacks and ran games/activities for children in the community.

Why did you and other community members choose to volunteer with Lifeline?

My name is Realla (Starr) Nabors.

I have lived in the Brookmill Community for over 15 years.

I have raised three children in this community. What Lifeline does in this community has been a blessing to the Brookmill Community and has helped me and my children a lot.

I first heard of Lifeline through the afterschool program they use to have here over 10 years ago which gave my children activities in a safe place after school.

What did the Backpack Giveaway accomplish?

We gave over 300 backpacks to kids in the community, ages preschool to high school.

What did the Backpack Giveaway accomplish?

The whole community came out to fellowship with each other. It felt so good to see the whole community – young and old – come together for one big cookout.

What did the Backpack Giveaway accomplish?

We ate together and got the biggest kick out of seeing the children pick up their new backpacks, run around and play games, and some even ride a pony for the first time.

What did the Backpack Giveaway accomplish?

This year, this community suffered a tragedy that had some people afraid to come out of their apartments. This event helped bring the community back together.

How will you continue volunteering with Lifeline?

I will volunteer again in future years to help set-up for and run the children’s activities at the backpack cookout.

I also am involved with Lifeline’s (EWN) Empowering Women Now outreach that helps women in the Brookmill community.

How will Lifeline use any prize money they win?

Based on what I have seen Lifeline do for the people who live in this community, and how they are still helping this community, I believe Lifeline will use any money received to keep helping families in the Brookmill community, especially the women and children.