In just a few short weeks the lazy carefree days of summer will transition into back-to-school preparations. Families buying new clothes and gym shoes, backpacks and binders, pencils and pens. But for some Mineral County students it can be a financial strain acquiring all they need as they enter those hallways once again.

Pathways to Help, a local volunteer organization, is on a mission to make sure every kid heads back this August with school supplies and some new clothes they feel good in. The groups primary focus is to help equip area families with resources at back-to-school time, and also during Christmas.

Cassandra Hewitt is an advocate with the Mineral County Helpline, another local organization that Pathways to Help recently partnered with for the Back-to-School donation drive. She remarked, “Amy Kelsey started Pathways to Help in 2021 and I came on in December of 2023. We strive to make sure all kids in the community have a great start to the school year regardless of their families financial standing.”

This is their fourth consecutive year collecting and distributing to those in need. Hewitt noted, “We gather donations and sponsors to make sure every child we assist receives all their back-to-school supplies, a new backpack, a new outfit, and a new pair of shoes.” All Mineral County schools benefit from the donations and children from Pre-K through seniors in high school are eligible to receive the back-to-school gear.

“We are in such a small rural community that is low-income I feel it is a huge need here,” shared Hewitt. “Each year our numbers have increased. We have tried to help all that have asked but sometimes the need is too big for the number of sponsors and donations we can receive.”

If someone is interested in sponsoring a child, Hewitt explained, “We give them a list with the child's grade, school supply list, sizes and likes and dislikes. Sponsors are welcome to do a full sponsor or a partial. We appreciate all help.” Michelle Hahn from the Hideout has been a wonderful supporter every year. Hewitt added, "She has been a major help to Amy for all four years of the program."

The response to the program has been encouraging. Hewitt said, “In past years everyone has been wonderful. Our sponsors are generous and kind and everyone receiving assistance has been appreciative.”

Ideally Pathways to Help would like all applications for assistance in by August 1, and all donations received by August 11. Hewitt stated, “We plan to have everything handed out/picked up by August 19.” Applications can be picked up at 301 2nd Ave East in Superior. For more information, Cassandra Hewitt can be reached at 406-493-9691, or Amy Kelsey at 406-531-9976.