By WKTV Staff
joanne@wtkv.org

School may be in session but for Denise Kooiker, aka School Supply Santa, collecting school supplies does not stop just because the bell has rung.

“Once school starts, people can bring supplies right to Byron Ministries for the following year,” Kooiker said. “Our main part we tried to do before school starts, but we receive items throughout the year.”

School Supply Santa’s main push for collections takes place in July and August when donation boxes are put out at many area business. Staff from 36 area schools are invited to an event in August where they can pick out items for students in their school.

Almost 1,100 backpacks were handed out along with about 46,000 school supplies at the 2019 event. Schools serviced by the program include Byron Center, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, Kentwood and Wyoming. 

It was 12 years ago when Kooiker, a hair stylist, had a client tell her about the needs for her students. 

“I was naive,” Kooiker said. “What do you mean kids don’t have school supplies?”

She started School Supply Santa by filling her car and now has a storage facility along with the space at Byron Ministries for donations. 

So as area residents hit the stores for sales throughout the year, keep in mind of the needs of area students, Kooiker said. Items most needed are dry erase markers as many schools do not use chalkboards but dry erase boards. 

“Backpacks are always a big thing,” Kooiker said. “It is such a confidence booster. It is hard to come to school without one or one that is old and frayed.”

For a complete list of school supplies, visit the School Supply Santa website, schoolsupplysanta.com