Blue Bag Program

Mid Michigan Chapter SCI

My name is Zach Lindquist from Munising Michigan. As a high school graduation present my grandparents (Rod and Brenda Merchant) took me on a trip to Africa. I really enjoy hunting and fishing in Michigan but for my first African adventure I elected to do a "Photo Safari." My goal was to see as many different animals as possible and just get familiarized to the strange yet wonderful continent. We spent a week at a camp called Mala Mala then flew on to Victoria Falls for some additional sight seeing and thrilling experiences.

Through the generosity of the Mid-Michigan SCI Chapter I was introduced to the Bell Family Blue Bag Program and was honored to deliver a huge bag of school supplies to the local school. My friends and family had been collecting supplies for a few weeks and we were a little surprised when the bag arrived to us mostly full however we topped it off then put the balance of gifts in our own luggage. Every single pencil and soccer ball was delivered as promised.

Unfortunately the local school at Krueger National Park was closed for holiday during our visit but the staff at Mala Mala stepped in and made the final delivery a few days after our departure. The attached photo shows the smiles the program generated and I thank you for the opportunity to "Pay it Forward"

Special thanks to Josh Christensen for his help making this happen.

Zach Lindquist