Three local non-profit entities recently teamed up to donate approximately $350 worth of school supplies to local and area children.

          “Stuff the Backpack” is a fundraising campaign that allows youngsters to have the supplies they need in the classroom and for homework.

          The Aktion Club at Sunflower Diversified Services worked hand-in-hand with the Salvation Army to gather school supplies and raise cash for the effort.

The club is a Kiwanis-chartered group that allows adults with developmental disabilities and delays to participate in community-service projects, gain leadership skills and become more involved in society.

“Our Aktion Club has been involved in Stuff the Backpack for six years now,” said Amanda Urban, training/advocacy coordinator at Sunflower Diversified. “We are gratified to have an impact on children in our communities.

“This project fits in well with the Kiwanis mission of improving the world – one child and one community at a time,” Urban continued. “To stay true to the cause of Kiwanis, our Aktion Club tries to do a few projects each year that directly impact local and area children.”

Sunflower’s Aktion Club has been active for a decade; it was the second such club to be chartered in the state of Kansas.

“We value our 10 years with the Kiwanis and look forward to many more,” Urban commented. “This is just one way Sunflower clients strive to give back to their communities and develop their social and leadership skills in the process.

“Sunflower understands that participation in community life helps demonstrate the dignity and value of people living with disabilities and delays,” she added. “We are grateful to Kiwanis and the Salvation Army for giving us these opportunities.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.