Back-to-school party offers free backpacks and more

WHEATLAND – On Thursday, Aug. 15 a back to school party was held at the Wheatland High School commons area.
Two Sisters and a Chicken, LLC  (a nonprofit company) hosted the event filled with free food, and free backpacks (purchased by First State Bank) to give out to all PCSD#1 students and their families. Many local businesses participated by having a booth and gave out items such as: school supplies, business information, popsicles, coloring books, hand sanitizer, stickers, fresh apples, bottled water, magnets, etc. The Wheatland Police Department and the Wyoming Highway Patrol had their response vehicles available for all to see and sit inside, as well as Lee’s Towing, and the Lange family race cars.

PCSD #1 board members were there helping to serve hot dogs and cookies. The central open area of the high school was packed with teachers, parents and kids of all ages enjoying the festivities and celebrating one the last few days of summer.
“This event began three years ago when my daughters and I were shopping for backpacks and school supplies at Shopko. We overheard a mother tell her daughter that she could not afford a backpack this year, and that they would go to the thrift store to see if they had a cheap backpack to purchase. My girls were incredibly sad to witness another little girl crying because she could not get a brand new backpack.  At that moment in time, I knew that this little girls’ family was probably not the only family struggling and I decided to do something about it,” explained the mother of the Two Sisters and a Chicken, Sara James. “The very next weekend, I purchased a vintage dresser on the classifieds and repurposed it into a super cute lemonade stand. Every free moment from then on, we had a lemonade stand in local business’ parking lots or on the corner of a street and sold lemonade. Every dollar my two daughters earned, we purchased brand new backpacks with.”
James went on to talk about how she wanted to have a big party inviting all PCSD#1 students and have her daughters hand out the backpacks to anyone who wanted one. Not only would this benefit the students, but it was going to help teach her daughters responsibility, ownership, and the love of serving others. Sara met with Josh Sandlion (Principal for WHS) to talk about the idea and he loved it.
The following week, First State Bank asked to be a partner and they generously purchased any remaining backpacks that were still needed. For the last two years, First State Bank has purchased all ($2,000) worth of backpacks therefore allowing the two sisters to cover other expenses (BBQ, advertising, bouncy houses, etc).
Even though this event began because a family could not afford a backpack, James and her daughters want all students and families to feel welcome and attend the event no matter their financial status. We have created a family fun environment with free food and free backpacks and we hope to only grow larger in the coming years.
If you, your organization or business would like to sponsor, donate, or participate in this much needed cause, please call Sara James at (307)275-2194 or see their Facebook page, Two Sisters and a Chicken, LLC” for more information.