Jack’s Campers in Mitchell, South Dakota, is honoring its late employee Harlan Miller with a project called “Harlan’s Birthday Parties in a Bag,” offering families in need supplies to host a birthday party for their child.
“We lost Harlan in a tragic car accident in December 2023. Harlan loved birthdays – he would send out hundreds of birthday cards to his family and friends each year. He had an amazing memory. He could remember birth dates, wedding anniversaries, special events and names. He had a gift for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds. Harlan had worked at Jack’s Campers for 37 years and was a cherished member of the staff,” the dealership said.
Harlan’s Birthday Parties in a Bag provide families in need with all the supplies to have a birthday party for their child. Each birthday bag contains cake mix, frosting, candles, cake pan, tablecloth, plates, napkins, birthday banner, etc. It also includes a gift – toys, blankets or something else suitable for the child’s age.
“Each bag also includes a children’s bible donated by Children’s Bible Mission of Mitchell, South Dakota. Faith in Jesus is what this business was founded on,” the company said. “We have had remarkable community support with monetary donations and donations of party supplies and toys. The local grocery stores have supplied us with cake mixes, candles and candy.”
As of today, Harlan’s Birthday Parties in a Bag has celebrated 74 birthdays with 42 more on the calendar.
Join its Facebook page and follow along with the fun.
“Every child should be celebrated – that is our motto,” Jack’s Campers said.
Jack’s Campers was founded in 1963 by Jack and Arla Veldheer. Their son and his wife, Doug and Kari Veldheer, are now the owners. The dealership has two locations – the original one in Mitchell and another in the Black Hills at Piedmont, South Dakota. The shops are franchise dealers of Jayco, Forest River and Keystone products.