MADISON, Wis. — Making sure kids have everything they need to be successful for the school year is no small feat, that’s why News 3 Now and the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County have partnered for a back-to-school supply drive.
The BGCDC has worked for years to make sure kids in the community have everything they need to be successful, so when BGCDC CEO Michael Johnson asked News 3 Now’s Leah Linscheid to get in a canoe to raise donations, of course the answer was yes.
“The idea is here: They’re going to put me in a canoe, they’re going to push me off, and you folks need to help me get off the water by bringing me supplies. We need to fill my canoe with school supplies,” Linscheid said. “Boatloads of school supplies is our goal today.”
If you want to join in on the fun on the water, head down to Brittingham Boats to rent a canoe or kayak for yourself. The rental company is offering 15% off rentals and plans to donate the proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club’s back-to-school drive efforts.
Tuesday’s drive was born out of a long history of the Madison community helping support the Boys and Girls Club. Years ago, a woman named Sallie X lead the charge to gather school supplies for kids to donate to the organization. Her family said she would spend hours clipping coupons and stuffing backpacks for kids in need. Sallied died this past spring at the age of 98, but she was active up until the end.
Kim Vergeront, Sallie’s daughter said Sallie would be proud to see the continued efforts.
“She would say that, whenever you can do something for somebody else, you should,” Vergeront said. “You’re never too old, it’s never too late to help others.”
In lieu of flowers for Sallie’s funeral, her family has asked that folks donate to the Boys and Girls Club.
Tuesday’s donation drive runs from 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Brittingham Boats on Monona Bay, but donations will be accepted long after Leah’s time on the canoe comes to an end.
If you can’t make it out to the in-person drive, you can donate online or purchase items from the Boys and Girls Club’s Amazon wish list. Supplies can also be dropped off at News 3 Now’s station at 7025 Raymond Road or at any Boys and Girls Club location in Madison.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
