History of SOS

Thank you for your interest in Project S.O.S. (Supply Our Students). Each year for the past 19 years, The Banquet has led an effort to provide area students with essential school supplies. This coming school year we expect to assist 4,200 students.

Project SOS has its roots in an encounter involving a Banquet guest and a staff member, a little over 19 years ago. It was obvious this young woman, a mother of several children, was struggling and frustrated to the point of tears. After some prompting, she revealed that in addition to everything else, she was unable to afford school supplies for her children. As she explained to the surprised staff member, "If I can't afford to feed my children, how do you think I can afford school supplies?" It was not difficult to understand that many other parents and their children were facing a similar dilemma at the start of each school year.

Many dedicated individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations contribute to make this project a tremendous success. You can assist with donations of money, and/or supplies. Please see the school supply list for specific needs. Your help will allow our area children to face the new school year with greater enthusiasm and optimism because they will begin with all of their necessary supplies. Thank you for believing in Project SOS and for helping these very grateful families.

The 2006-2007 school year The Banquet gave 4,299 school supply packets to students in 33 school districts.

Participating retail stores: HY-VEE, K-mart, Lewis Drug, Shopko, Staples and Walmart.