Since 2011, Set For Success has helped all Boothbay region schoolchildren go back to school in style, regardless of their family income or circumstances.

Set For Success stemmed from a desire to ensure no child was left out at the start of the school year. It works because it’s simple and has the dedication of its creator, Sue Burge. Burge works with the three regional school principals who provide her with the number of students in every grade and a list of the supplies they will need.

Then Burge, the staff of Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, and many volunteers set about finding donations, both in-kind and financial.

In early summer, 13 local churches hold a Set For Success mission outreach inviting members and friends to bring supplies or a financial gift to church on a particular Sunday.

“The churches are my first big kickoff,” said Burge. “Every church comes through, from the smallest to the largest. It gives me the boost so that I can start shopping.”

And she certainly shops: By July, her front room is overflowing with deliveries and purchases.

This year, Set For Success will provide for 335 children from pre-k through eighth grade. Supplies will include a backpack for everyone, pens, pencils, binders and folders – anything and everything their principal has requested.

But Set For Success is also an event. On the day the kids get their supplies, there are doctors, eye doctors, and dental professionals on hand to provide exams; there are hairdressers, nail technicians, clothing boutiques, and 35 booths. For the first time, this year there will also be a cookout. Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The four grillers will be Superintendent of Schools Keith Laser, Police Officer Tom Chryplewicz, Scott Larson and Bill Burge. And it is all free.

“None of it would happen without an army of volunteers,” said Burge. “The local USCG officers help me every year with crowd control and heavy lifting. Hannaford sends staff over to help with the food, and every aspect of the event is run by community people who just want to help.”

Why is Set For Success for every child? “Because low-income kids have enough to deal with. I want every kid to feel the same as every other kid,” Burge said. Thanks to the people of this community, every child on the peninsula can start the school year feeling pretty good about themselves.”

This year’s Set For Success event is 11:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 at Boothbay Region YMCA. The cookout starts at 11:30. Doors to the Field House will open at 1 p.m.

Donations are still needed and can be made via www.set-for-success.org or by check to Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, P.O. Box 43, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.