Families heading into the 2026-27 school year without the budget for backpacks, notebooks and new clothes have two free events the week of Aug. 11 at Silver Creek Church in Harvey.

The church's Backpack SOS program hits its 20th anniversary Saturday, Aug. 15, with a drive-thru distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. at 219 Silver Creek Road. Every child from pre-K through 12th grade who shows up gets a backpack loaded with grade-level supplies, a pair of socks, a hygiene kit and a voucher for three free outfits at Silver Creek Thrift, according to WBUP/WJMN. No pre-registration is required, and children do not need to be present at pickup.

Teen girls receive an additional gift provided through the Zonta Club of Marquette. Convoy of Hope is supplying food, beverages and household items for all families who attend, available while supplies last.

The program has distributed supplies to thousands of Marquette-area students since it launched around 2006.

Lead Pastor Kevin Taylor leads the church's community outreach efforts. In July 2022, during a separate community cleanup at Cherry Creek Elementary in Chocolay Township, Taylor told WLUC TV6: "We can't wait for someone else to make it better. We need to step in and make it better."

Silver Creek Thrift, the church's outreach ministry thrift store, moved to a larger location at 190 W. Wright Place in Harvey in May 2026. Proceeds from the store fund Backpack SOS, monthly Feeding America mobile food pantries, Operation Winter Wear and a voucher program for families in need, according to the Mining Journal.

Mobile Food Pantry: Thursday, Aug. 13

Two days before the backpack event, Silver Creek Church and Feeding America West Michigan are hosting a Mobile Food Pantry on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the same address. Food will be available for roughly 600 families on a first-come, first-served basis.

Both events operate as drive-thrus. Attendees should stay in their vehicles and clear trunk or back-seat space so distribution volunteers can load items directly into cars.

Businesses or organizations that want to donate or volunteer for the church's monthly food pantries can call Silver Creek Church at (906) 249-1715.