Yukon Churches Band Together For School Supplies

It's going to take more than pencils and paper for a lot of students to be equipped for school this year.

With virtual learning becoming the norm, school supply costs are expected to skyrocket as more parents invest in computers and other technology.

The National Retail Federation estimates parents spend about $120 per student on traditional school supplies, which makes events like The Good Fight Church's School Supply Drive even more important during a pandemic.

The Good Fight Church in Yukon Saturday led a combined effort that included 17 other churches.

 "You're talking thousands of people that can make a difference in our culture," The Good Fight Church Lead Pastor John Phipps said.

The 5th annual supply drive served around 1,500 kids, who wound up with more than just a full backpack.

Food was also distributed from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Free haircuts were also available onsite.

"It is a one-stop shop, and that's what the church should be and what the community should be about," Phipps said. "It doesn't matter about everything else that's going on now. We can be the light in a dark time."

It's also a nervous time for parents. Many of the volunteers are getting ready for their own children to restart school.

"It's nerve-wracking,” supply drive volunteer and Yukon parent Heather Douglas said. “With my family, I have elderlies in the household. It's nerve-wracking, but I think with faith, we'll make it.”

Yukon Public Schools are set to open August 24. All learning will be online to start.