August 17, 2008
Sunday

Saxman, Alaska - A Community Development Grant from First Bank of Ketchikan is assisting the Organized Village of Saxman's "Back to School Supplies Drive" in providing back to school supplies for low to moderate income students. Winona Wallace, Tribal Administrator, said the goal of Saxman's "Back to School Supplies Drive" is to give all Saxman students a chance to start the 2008-2009 school year right and begin on equal ground on the first day of school.

Wallace said First Bank joined the tribal government in ensuring that each student be able to start the school year with the necessary supplies to achieve success. Through a Community Development Grant, First Bank is assisting in promoting educational opportunities for low-income and at-risk students. First Bank's generous donation will provide school supplies for 38 families in Saxman in grades K-12th said Wallace.

With the funding provided by First Bank of Ketchikan, the Saxman tribal office staff, the tribal family caseworker, parents, community volunteers, and tribal council members will fill school backpacks with needed school supplies such as highlighters, loose leaf paper, binders, pencils and pencil bags for low to moderate income families.

The Organized Village of Saxman requested funding assistance from First Bank in response to hardships faced by families due to the recent downturn in the economy and to alleviate the burden in choosing between buying fuel or buying school supplies said Wallace.

President Wallace enthusiastically acknowledged the generous funding donation from First Bank stating, "When a child goes to school with the necessary supplies it makes their whole personality and self esteem very positively directed and this couldn't have happened without the generosity of First Bank, Haw'aa (Haida word for thank you)."

First Bank's Assistant Vice President Corporate Secretary Shelia Kleinschmidt remarked, "First Bank is very glad to help, because First Bank believes in serving its customers and it is a way First Bank can give back to the community. First Bank is pleased to offer new school supplies to the students in Saxman."

The Tribal staff and volunteers plan to distribute the supplies for K-5th graders on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 and for 6-12 graders on Thursday, August 21, 2008. The distribution will start on Wednesday and Thursday at 6 pm with program events including a contest for "Back to School Spirit" banners, a parade, an open microphone, karaoke, and Wii Sports gaming.

Saxman is located on the southwestern coast of Revillagigedo Island 2 miles south of Ketchikan on South Tongass Highway.

Source of News & Photograph:

Organized Village of Saxman

 

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