COUER d’ALENE — It’s the little things that matter at the beginning of a new school year: A new backpack or a fresh haircut can make all the difference in a child’s excitement and confidence going back to school.  

That’s exactly what Mary Anderson, director of the Family Support Center at the Children’s Village, had in mind when she and her team planned Saturday’s back-to-school event. Families were invited to come pick up school supplies and clothing, and kids could also get a haircut, get their school photo taken and get a sports physical done.  

“I decided to organize this event because I saw a need in our community,” Anderson said. “There are many families struggling financially, and I wanted to make sure our youth had their needed supplies for the school year.”  

This year marked the first back-to-school event put on by the Children’s Village. They served 180 registered kids, in addition to dozens of “walk-up” families. Anderson said that back-to-school essentials have gone up in price to the point that families now often spend a few hundred dollars per child to make sure they have everything they need. 

“I believe if every kiddo is given the same opportunity to succeed, we can help end generational cycles of poverty,” she said.  

Excitement radiated from kids around the event: Denaya Dodson, who is going into the seventh grade, was all smiles as she got her hair cut.  

“I feel ready to go back to school now,” Denaya said.  

The joy felt by Denaya and the other children was the result of months of hard work and planning. 

“It means the world. We’ve been discussing this since spring,” said Stephanie Gonzales, who worked closely with Anderson to make the event happen. “It’s great to be able to give to the community and help people and let them see what we’re all about.” 

    It takes a village: From left, Nancy Wood, Stephanie Gonzales, Mary Anderson, Casey Brandel, Meri McSwain and Holly Aragon have been working for months to make the back-to-school supply event at the Children's Village in Couer d'Alene possible.
  

    One hundred eighty students registered for Saturday's back-to-school event at the Children's Village and dozens of families came as "walkups."