United Way prepping to help area children go back to school
Annual School Supply Drive set for August 2
9 July 2008
United
Way is ready to kick off the “back to school” season with its 11th annual School Supply Drive, presented by the
Marysville Association of Realtors. The event, which typically collects thousands of school tools for students
in need at all schools in the Marysville, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, and North Union school districts, will be
held over the next three weeks. Items collected are distributed directly to the area schools, which distribute
them as needed throughout the school year.“This is such a big help for struggling families as they try to get clothes, supplies, and school fees on stretched budgets,” said Melissa Hackett, a Principal in the Marysville School District. “There were many big smiles coming from the children last year and relief washed over the faces of their parents as we asked them if they could use some support.”
To kickoff the collection process, the Marysville Association of Realtors donated $500 to United Way for the project. The money will be used to purchase items that turn up in short supply and to help extend the impact of the collection further into the school year.
On Saturday August 2, United Way volunteers will be distributing “shopping lists” of needed items at six shopping centers in Union County (Big Lots, K-Mart, Kroger, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart in Marysville, Lovejoy’s Market in Plain City, and Dollar General in Richwood). Shoppers are encouraged to pick up an item as they go through the store and drop off the donation on their way out.
Those who would like to make a donation prior to August 2 may do so by dropping off needed items at a pair of collection sites: the Marysville Public Library (231 S. Plum Street) or the United Way office (232 N. Main Street). In addition, area workplaces or churches that would like to get involved are encouraged to contact United Way about setting up a display to serve as a collection point for their employees, customers, or members. Those interested may contact Dave Bezusko at uwuc.dave@rrohio.com or (937) 644-8381.
Supplies collected by August 2 will then be sorted by residents at the Central Ohio Youth Center and distributed by United Way to each elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school in time for the first day of classes.
“A School Supply Drive of this scope and magnitude is unduplicated in our community, meeting a true need by helping our students and their teachers by giving them the tools necessary to complete their work in the classroom,” said Dave Bezusko, Campaign & PR Director for United Way.
Families who need to access school supplies are encouraged to contact their guidance counselor at the beginning of the year. Supplies will be distributed to individuals as needed by school staff from the supply provided to each school.
Items being collected include: #2 pencils, colored pencils, blue and black pens, 24 or 48-count crayons, hi-liters, 8-count washable markers, wooden rulers, dry-erase markers, plain color book bags, Fiskar scissors, 1.5 inch 3-ring binders, 4-ounce bottles of glue, glue sticks, tissues, 3x5 lined index cards, zip-lock bags, 3x3 post-it notes, wide-ruled composition books, wide and college-ruled notebook paper, wide and college-ruled spiral notebooks, erasers, small plastic supply boxes, pocket folders, and large boxes of tissues. (CLICK HERE for a printer-friendly list.)
For more information about the School Supply Drive, please contact United Way at (937) 644-8381.