Back-to-school supplies are available for families in need at the Kaukauna Public Library, August 10, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As families are expected to spend record amounts on back-to-school supplies this year, an annual event is hoping to ease that stress.
The Kaukauna Public Library placed out school supplies collected through its annual drive Thursday where families could come through and pick out what they need.
Each year, the library requests donations of school supplies for those in need as many families in the community struggle to provide essential school supplies for their children.
More than $1,000 worth of paper, pencils, folders and backpacks were collected. The library even received a large donation from Kaukauna Elks #962 in the amount of $1,600.
Director of the Kaukauna Public Library, Ashley Thiem-Menning, says it’s part of the library’s mission to serve the community.
“Most people think that libraries are just warehouses of books but in fact, we’re so much more than that. The programs and services we offer to the community enrich the community in its entirety, so socially, emotionally, even physical wellness, so being able to help people with rising costs by providing these small things, same as our food pantry that we have, can just help people get ahead,” she said.
The supplies will be available until they’re gone.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year; that’s about $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35 and a new high.
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