Sending 'em back in style Operation St. Nick's back-to-school program assisted 523 children in Grundy County this year, more than ever before. More than $78,000 was spent - far exceeding the previous record of $51,913 in 2007 - in order to ensure that all area children have what they need to start the school year off on the right foot. This was the most children ever assisted in one year, topping the 479 children in 2003. Under the program, which began in 1992, Operation St. Nick provides each child with $100 in clothes and shoes, and $50 in school supplies. “We originally budgeted $50,000 for this year's program,” Operation St. Nick President Joe Schmitz said, “but soon realized through the application process that the need was much greater this year than ever before.” The second annual Christmas in July, held Saturday, July 25, at Brandt's Tavern raised $20,600, however, allowing Operation St. Nick to expand the program in response to the obvious need the current economy is generating. “With the tremendous success of this year's Christmas In July, held at Brandt's Tavern, the board told them to proceed with helping all those who met the guidelines and were in need of help,” he said. This year's co-chairmen from the event - Kathy Dale, and Linda and Brad Baker - brought the need to the board, Schmitz said. Schmitz said Doug and Tracy Brandt, owners of Brandt's, Tim and Cindy Harrison, and Randy and Mary Weiss organized the second annual Christmas in July. They presented Operation St. Nick with the check for over $20,000 realized from the benefit. “To raise $20,600 on a Saturday in July is just an incredible feat,” Schmitz said. “What a novel idea Tim and Cindy (Harrison) had. We appreciate all the hard work and time they and their many friends and volunteers put in.” “We have gradually been increasing the amount we spend on each child,” he noted. “We began by spending $75 for each of 100 children, for a total of $7,500. Now, 18 years later, we have increased that amount from $75 to $150, and increased our spending 10 fold, to $78,000." “It is important that all children return to school in a positive frame of mind and feel good about their appearance,” Kathy Dale, who handled most of the applications for the back-to-school program, said. “That is why I believe the back-to-school program is so important. It lifts the financial burden off the families who are struggling and their children can look forward to returning to school with the proper supplies and new clothes, like the rest of their classmates.” Linda Baker, of the Operation St. Nick board, stressed how the economy has taken a toll on everyone, especially parents who are out of work and have several children. “We saw the need with our bike program in May, when we normally give away 40 to 50 bikes,” he said. “This year more than doubled that to 88.” “Mom and Dad are just doing all they can to make house or rent payments, and keep food on the table,” Baker added. “It was a joy to be able to assist the more than 500 children at this critical time of the year.” Other Moose members that participated are Pam and Dave Hanson, Jeramy Morris and girlfriend Carly, Steve Westburg. These are all Moose #967 Members. Other names of participation are; Jenny, LynnOperation St. Nick is a not-for-profit (501-C) organization that works to help Grundy County families in need at Christmas, Easter and back-to-school. It is an all-volunteer organization with no salaried employees or administration expenses. Donations can always be sent to Operation St. Nick, P. O. Box 781,. Morris, 60450. Copyright 2009, Morris Daily Herald (IL). All Rights Reserved.