By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Sisters Lily and Chloe Fisher sorted through the bounty in their backpacks, pausing only to show off their inventory of new school supplies.
“I got a whole pile of pencils,” Chloe, 7, said as she spread out her school items for starting second grade. The pink earphones and scissors elicited a squeal of delight.
“These are my scissors. I love pink scissors,” Chloe said. “They are my favorite.”
Across the table, Lily, 9, pulled out a pack of scented erasers. She put the package up to her nose, trying to get a whiff of the strawberry, banana, apple, blueberry and grape erasers.
“I’m organizing my stuff,” Lily said as she sorted through the glue, markers, packs of paper, ruler and folders. “I’m in fourth grade. I’m going to be a big girl. I won’t cry.”
With their grandma, Candy Fisher, the girls explored their new backpacks, searching the many compartments and side pockets.
“It’s wonderful. These school supplies are very helpful,” said their grandma.
Like others picking up the backpacks last week, Fisher, of Rossford, is a grandparent now raising her grandchildren. For older adults, who thought their childrearing days were over, the cost of school supplies can be overwhelming.
“This is desperately helpful,” said Michelle Ramos, of Bowling Green, who is raising her 13-year-old granddaughter. “I saw that list of everything she needs for 7th grade. I just didn’t think I’d be able to afford everything she needs – especially that calculator.”
Approximately 35 backpacks were given to grandparents last week at the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green, through the efforts of the Wood County Educational Service Center.
“They are the forgotten group in the county,” said Sarah Nidiffer, the WCESC family and community partnership liaison. “You don’t plan on raising a child in your retirement.”
Many grandparents in that position don’t even qualify for free school lunches for their grandchildren, Nidiffer said.
“They really need help with the expensive school items,” like calculators, dry erase markers, and headphones, she said.
The backpacks and supplies are also made available to other family members or neighbors – “anybody raising kids who aren’t theirs,” Nidiffer said.
The Wood County Educational Service Center also offers support groups for grandparents raising their grandchildren, located at the Wood County Senior Center, Crim Elementary in Bowling Green, Lake and Rossford school districts.
Other help available …
The Wood County Department of Job and Family Services’ K-12 Fitted for Success program will provide 650 local children with backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies, new shoes and socks and a new winter coat.
As of last week, there were still 20 slots available for children. Proof of household income, birth certificates or other proof of citizenship and Social Security cards for all family members must be provided. Families must have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify. For a family of four, that is $5,000 or less in gross income per month. The income amount varies based on family size.
When the backpacks are picked up, the coats will be ordered, then be distributed in the fall.
Interested families may call 419-352-7566 ext. 8492 or visit woodcountyjfs.com to request an application to be sent by mail. Applications are also available to print on the website or to pick up at WCDJFS, 1928 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green.
