Schoolfest 2018: Annual event readies kids for school year

SIKESTON — The National Retail Federation estimates families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade will spend an average of $634.78 this year to outfit their child for school.

For many families in Southeast Missouri, that is an expense way beyond their means. Fortunately, this year local churches, businesses and organizations are again partnering to ease that financial burden with Schoolfest 2018.

Set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Malone Park, parents can bring their children to receive free school supplies. There will also be refreshments, free activities, haircuts and a blue jean giveaway for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Richard Stout, minister for the First Church of the Nazarene and vice president of Spread Hope Now, which is sponsoring the event, said Schoolfest is an opportunity for the community to work together.

“This is a win-win for everybody,” said Stout. “It is such a huge movement of churches and people coming together to meet the needs of others in the community. We are just getting on the same page finally and meeting needs, creating relationships and building unity.”

With several years of Schoolfest under their belts, organizers have each of the participating churches collecting supplies. Stout said the congregation at the First Church of the Nazarene is collecting reams of notebook paper and he expects they will exceed their goal of 500 reams.

The notebook paper will be added to the pencils, pens, crayons, folders, backpacks and more available on Saturday.

“It is awesome to watch the kids,” said Regina Guthrie, who has helped organize the event for the past five years. “It is just like they are shopping at a store. They pick out their folder colors, notebook colors. That makes it exciting.”

Many teachers volunteer their time to assist families as they pick out needed supplies. Guthrie explained it is an opportunity for the teachers to see former students and strengthen the bond with students and their families.

Also returning to participate in the 2018 Schoolfest are members of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and R-6 school administrators. Once again they will be manning the grills; this year they plan to cook 1,500 hotdogs for those attending.

Schoolfest is open to everyone. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive items.

Last year’s Schoolfest served approximately 330 families, assisting some 800 children. This year, organizers would like to see 1,000 children benefit from the event.

Any items not given away on Saturday will be donated to the Bulldog Pantry, which provides needed items to Sikeston R-6 school children and their families throughout the school year. Schoolfest items will also benefit other area schools.

While school supplies are an important part of Schoolfest, it isn’t all that will be available. Books will be given to children by members of the Sikeston Altrusa Club and Bibles will be offered to those attending as well.

As important as it is to ensure the youngsters have school supplies, Stout said, the event is also an opportunity to fill an even greater need. The event includes a prayer tent.

“I think that is the most impacting part of Schoolfest,” he said. “We ask what we can pray for them and people have asked for prayer for major things going on in their families.”

For more information on donating, volunteering or attending go to wearesikeston.org.