Seasonal Programs

First Step

The program provides new clothing, backpacks and school supplies to children and youth at the start of the school year.  Registration generally runs from mid-July to the end of August.  Distribution is usually done in August. Children between the ages of 5-18 are eligible for supplies.  Check the chart below to determine eligibility.

A memo will be distributed by the director with the schedule.  Typical distribution schedule looks like this:

First Letter of Last Name           Assigned Day/Date for Pick up

         A – F      =      FRIDAY (Aug __ & __)

         G – K      =      THURSDAY (Aug __ & __)

         L – O      =      WEDNESDAY (Aug __ & __)

         P – S       =     TUESDAY (Aug __ & __)

         T – Z      =       MONDAY (Aug __ & __)

      All/Non-Clients     = SATURDAY (Aug __; ONE DAY ONLY) 

Registration Process

Clients register for "school supplies", not "backpacks".  We cannot guarantee that everyone will receive backpacks.  Non-clients are not registered, but may come on the last Saturday of the distribution and receive supplies if any are still available.

To register for school supplies:

(1) Check the box of claim tickets to ensure that the client has not already registered.

(2) Revise the Client’s data on the family record. All information must be current. As you know we check ID’s, DOB and Zip codes for all Clients in January and June. The family information must be checked within the previous two months (since May).

(3) Once the data is current then begin registering the Client in the register and include Client number, Client Name (Last, First) Age of Children/Youth, and total school supply packages.

(4) Then complete the Client Claim ticket, including Ticket number (according to register), Client name, Client SMUM ID number, quantity of packages for each age grouping, your initials in the "Authorized by" space, and day and date of distribution according to the schedule.

Example: K-2:  1  3-5: ___ 6-8: _2_ 9-12: _1_  ; means that this family will receive 1 package for K-2, 2 for 6-8 and 1 for 9-12 for a total of 4 supply packages.

(5) Provide carbon copy of the the ticket to the Client and inform them of the assigned day, date and time (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) they may return for their school supplies.  Anyone who cannot come on their assigned day can come on the last Saturday of the distribution.

(6) File the original copy of the ticket in the box of claim tickets.

For registering NONCLIENTS (those people outside of the zip codes that we serve; people who do not (or can not) show proof of their zip code), registration begins on Monday August __th (9-12). All Non-clients will receive their school supplies on Saturday August __ (if available). Please let Non-clients know that they will receive school supplies ONLY if they are available).

If should you have any questions/comments please contact the director. Thank you for all of your great help in making the First Step back-to-school for many children/youth a success!

Ages of Children