Back to School event

21: The guesstimated number of Quick Checks Krupa and I performed at the Back to School event Saturday.

Krupa and I took a trip to Dayton on Saturday for a Back to School event that the Faith Deliverance Church was conducting. It was sponsored by their Urban Awareness Youth Group, and Krupa and I were really impressed with how smoothly everything ran. There were about 400 kids who showed up to collect backpacks, pencils, notebooks and other school supplies. Most of the booths for hot dogs and ice cream and such were outside in the church's parking lot, but Krupa and I asked to set up inside the church.

We figured we'd have more privacy indoors. I don't think anyone would feel completely at ease answering personal questions about their income and expenses out in a crowded festival-like setting. We also had a laptop with us for Quick Checks, so we needed an outlet

It went really well. A lot of people came by to talk to us about the Benefit Bank and take some brochures, and we helped more than 20 people by telling them what they were eligible for through the Quick Check program. Well, I think it was more than 20. We started off keeping a tally, but we got so busy that we lost track of how many people had stopped by.

The only problem we had was that Nickelodeon was playing in the church for the kids waiting for their school supplies, and it was incredibly loud. Then a few student groups came to the front of the church with their musical talents (see left). It was really cool and everything, but when the break dancing music came on, I literally had to scream at my client so he could hear what I was talking about. Fortunately, things settled down after that.

The best part was that we got to leave early. The event was scheduled to go until 6 p.m., or whenever all of the supplies had been handed out. It was so well-organized that we were able to pack up our stuff at a little after 2.

It was a really nice event, and Krupa and I had a good time. The women who helped plan it out thanked us profusely for coming out, and I'm sure the OBB will again play a part the next time they have a resource fair.

Of course, I will most likely not be there, because I have 10 days until the end of my VISTA year. Crazy!

Krupa and I are going to Columbus this morning for an updated training on PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan), so I will try to remember to take pictures. Stay tuned!