Riverton community comes together to help parents with back-to-school stress

RIVERTON, Ill. (WAND) - School supplies, local markets, and smiles. That is what this Sunday looked like at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Riverton.

The community came together today to provide school supplies and support small business owners.

"It helps the community, and it helps you, in a way you feel like you're in a niche group," said Nikki Bergman.

The market is the first Sunday of every month, where local business owners sell their homemade goods. Bergman is the social media chair for the Sunday market and a vendor. She says the backpack giveaway and the market are a collaboration that helps the community in a more impactful way.

"The money that these people are earning is directly going to their families, to their children, for their school supplies, for their school uniforms. It's keeping that money and that flow in the community," Bergman said.

Today was the second annual back to school giveaway. Erica Watkins says her sister, Mary, spearheaded the initiative. Watkins says the event served more people than last year and hopes to give more families relief next year.

"Just those small things, you know, just whether it be pencils and pens, it all adds up. If you have more than one kid, and they got the school supply list, the basics help a lot," Watkins said.

If you're interested in becoming a vendor for the upcoming market, visit the Sunday Market Facebook.