The 4th annual Backpack 2 School Program is set for this afternoon. The program is sponsored by First United Methodist Church in Vandalia and will be held at their Family Worship Center at 4th and Main Streets today from 4 pm to 6 pm. Students will get a free backpack. The backpack will also include coupons and some giveaways. The evening is planned as fun time with games, activities, face painting, free hair cuts and refreshments. Also, bicycles will be given away with many other prizes. The event is in conjunction with Tools for School.
Meanwhile, Tools for School, a program that provides free basic school supplies to in-need Pre-K thru college aged students, will have it’s first distribution day today. This year, the program is in memory of Joni Springman because of her dedicated service to the program over the last several years. School supplies will be passed out at the First Presbyterian Church at 1221 W. Fillmore St. in Vandalia today and tomorrow from 9am-7pm, Friday from 9am-3pm and Saturday from 9am to noon. Those picking up supplies should enter through the north door of the church and all students receiving supplies must be present with their parents or any other adults to select their supplies. For further information or for any questions, call the First Presbyterian Church office at 283-0937.