Field Trip Friday: The Path to Lean on Me Outreach Center for #BagItForward

Last year I let you know about Adopt a Classroom and the Elmer's #BagItForward program. This year I am SO proud to have been selected to share supplies with the Lean on Me Outreach Center and to share more information about #BagItForward with you! Even if you are not able to purchase a whole bag of supplies to donate, PLEASE grab a few extra Elmer's Glue Sticks or boxes of crayons to donate.

Our path to donation went a little like this:

On our way to Walmart, we made a pit stop at Menards for the $.99 after rebate backpacks.

Then it was off scour the school supplies at Walmart. (If you want some great suggestions on what to stuff in your #BagItForward bags for less, check out this week's earlier post: Top Ten Items to Buy for #BagItForward.)

 This is what the cart looked like on the way to the register:

Then it was home to stuff the bags!

Just before we left to drop off the bags, my kids put the bags on the wrong way and I was inspired to have them say this:

Then it was off to the Lean on Me Outreach Center on Edgerton Road just south of 14 Mile in Kent County, MI!

 And the kids walked the back packs in:

Here's some notes on Lean on Me Outreach Center.

• They serve 1600 people every week.
• In addition to food boxes, they also provide clothing, housewares, toys and small furniture free of charge.
• They currently have 200 school supply requisitions that they do not currently have the supplies to fill.
• They thrive thanks to the many volunteers that give their time.
• Lean on Me Ministry Leader Lisa Shaffer says that Spartan Stores are one of their largest food contributors.
• You can find out more about the program by calling 866-3999 or emailing lshaffer@leanonmeoutreach.org

If you are local to the Northern Kent County area, please consider filling a #BagItForward bag for Lean on Me Outreach Center. If you are not local to the area, please consider finding a center near you to help!

Help Elmer’s Help Kids in Need!
Millions of kids go without school supplies every year. Elmer’s is partnering with the Kids In Need Foundation to provide essential school supplies to students who need them the most. For every “like” on the Elmer’s Facebook page through Sept. 1, the company will donate one Elmer’s product. Plus, they will make an additional donation for every unique view the video receives on the Elmer’s Kids In Need tab. Please like the Elmer’s Facebook page, watch the video, and share it with your friends and family. With just one click, you will help a child in need!

*Elmer’s will donate up to 200,000 products for this promotion to the Kids In Need Foundation

This project has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Elmer's #BagItForward #collectivebias. All thoughts and choice of charity to pimp out are my own.

Something different this week! Everyone! Link up you local panty/community organization's Facebook page or website. Help others find a donation center near them to give or get help. I've started with a few. Please format them like this:


Lean on Me Outreach (Rockford, MI)