NEBRASKA CITY- For the last five years, First Lutheran Church has hosted and helped nearly 200 students a year within nearby communities. 

The church provides backpacks for students who are in need of school supplies for the upcoming school year, who potentially would otherwise not be able to get without the programs help. 

Director of Children and Family Ministries Sara Vesely says that when she first started the program in 2016 the driving force for her was her passion behind the program.

“It has always been a fantastic program that I felt was needed in our community,” Vesely said. “Our kids have so many obstacles, and getting through school, that having supplies and having the adequate things to get through the year should not be one of them.”

Although each backpack is different depending on the grade level, most backpacks include things like folders, notebooks, pencils, pens, and various back to school essentials.

With all the differences between backpacks, Vesely reassures that there are no requirements needed to receive a backpack from the program.

“We will take anybody who needs assistance,” Vesely said. “If your family needs help with getting those supplies or getting a backpack—we’ll take ya."

The First Lutheran church will be having a supply drive on July 14th from 4:30 until 7:30 for anyone who wants to donate supplies for the backpack program.