BUCHANAN, Mich. - Last August, Buchanan District Library staff say their phone began ringing off the hook. The calls were from parents looking for free backpacks and school supplies for their kids.

“We pointed parents toward what we thought were good resources for this need, but later we learned there was a bit of a gap when it came to Buchanan kids. We decided to help fill that gap this year,” said Meg Paulette Perez, Library Director.

Shortly after that, in collaboration with Redbud Area Ministries and Buchanan Community Schools, the library started planning a backpack and school supply drive for 2024.

The library even applied for and received a grant from the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) to help supplement donations.

The Youth Advisory Council at MGCF has volunteered to assemble and distribute backpacks, along with local Boy Scout Troop 541.

“It all came together pretty quickly,” said Wendy Chapman, Library of Things Coordinator at Buchanan District Library. “Now we need to get the word out to gather donations before the giveaway in August.”

Donations are being collected from May 1 until July 1.

The library has created an Amazon Wishlist of supplies needed and donations can be shipped directly to the library or purchased at any store and dropped off at the following locations:

• Buchanan District Library - 128 E Front St.

• Country Heritage Credit Union - 16580 Bakertown Rd.

• Honor Credit Union - 128 Main St.

• United Federal Credit Union - 808 E Front St.

• Redbud Area Ministries - 708 Red Bud Trail N.

Students can also bring donations to any of the four Buchanan Community Schools buildings.

The Backpack Giveaway will take place at noon on Thursday, August 1, at Buchanan Common.

Organizers say that day will also celebrate the end of Summer Reading at the Buchanan District Library, and the festivities will include bounce houses, a live children’s music performer, free snow cones, and more.

Those who can't attend the event can pick up a backpack any time after August 1 at the library, while supplies last.

Backpacks will be available for kids of all grades attending Buchanan Community Schools.

Families can also apply for a backpack voucher from Redbud Area Ministries starting June 1.

Eligible families must live in Buchanan or Galien and show proof of their child’s enrollment in Buchanan Community Schools.

No backpacks will be given out without a voucher from Redbud Area Ministries.

Questions about donations can be emailed to the Buchanan District Library Director at [email protected].

Questions about applying for a backpack voucher can be emailed to [email protected].