MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WLUC) – Organizations in Schoolcraft County are working together to prepare students for the upcoming school year.

Manistique’s first ever Gear Up Gala took place on Wednesday evening.

Families lined up for school supplies at Manistique Middle and High School. The Manistique community came together to provide new shoes, backpacks and clothing to students in preschool through 12th grade.

Volunteers Ava Kusnier and Dayne Way say the gala helped about 250 children.

“It’s really fabulous,” Way said.

“Yes, more people than I thought,” Kusnier added.

The Gear Up Gala was hosted by Helpful Hotspot, Limestone Federal Credit Union and First Baptist Church. Organizer Christi Ryan says all students in Schoolcraft County were welcome.

“Everything is so expensive right now, and just buying basic supplies is very costly for a family with one child, let alone a family with multiple children,” Ryan said. “And when you’re talking about a backpack, needed school supplies, new shoes and school uniforms, it adds up very quickly.”

Ryan says local churches, businesses and individuals have donated clothing and money to make the gala possible. This is her first year organizing the event and she hopes it won’t be her last.

“If there’s a way to ease some of that burden and increase students’ enthusiasm for school because they have everything they need, I want to help,” Ryan said.

“I think it’s important to just give people what they need so they can feel more comfortable and just go out and live their lives,” Kusnier added. “So they don’t have to worry about anything.”

Ryan says she plans to continue the Gear Up Gala in the future.

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