It’s a local charitable effort that has become synonymous with “back-to-school.” It’s the annual United Way of Union County School Supply Drive presented by the Marysville Association of Realtors. On Saturday August 1, United Way volunteers will be collecting School Supplies at area shopping centers. School Supply donations are also being accepted at the Marysville Public Library (231 S. Plum) and the United Way office (232 N. Main) through August 4. Donations will be sorted and delivered directly to all public schools in Union County, including Marysville, Fairbanks, North Union, and Jonathan Alder schools. As realtors, we’re very community-minded. We’re selling the community. United Way does a lot of good things on that end. There’s a need and a lot of the people we serve our young families -- Dave Cook, President, Marysville Association of Realtors This will be United Way’s 12th year leading up the effort to collect materials needed for area students who cannot afford them. Growing community support the last three years has allowed us to extend the project beyond the elementary and intermediate school levels and expand our reach to students in the middle and high school levels at every public school in Union County. As a Board, we agreed that the need is even more important than ever. We represent the community and it’s important to show everyone that we’re here to help. -- Katie Crocco, Marysville Association of Realtors Even better – not a single crayon or eraser is wasted. Instead of compiling supply kits full of items that may or may not be used by an individual child, we maximize donations by proportionately distributing items directly to each school office. There, a supply closet is accessed throughout the school year by teachers for their students who don’t have a specific tool needed to complete an assignment.

United Way is proud to partner again this year with the Marysville Association of Realtors on the 12th annual School Supply Drive. The Realtors are getting the drive started by giving United Way $1,000. From left to right: Dave Bezusko, United Way; Dave Cook, Katie Crocco, Matt Smith, Suzanne Juzwiak, Kathy Young, Jeremy Rudolph, Libby Rausch, Mike King, and Dana Garrett, Marysville Association of Realtors; and Sue Kienbaum, Marysville Public Library.

Here’s what we’re collecting:

What if YOU NEED school supplies? All supplies collected are delivered directly to the area schools in time for the start of the school year. Please contact your school Guidance Counselor to access the supplies.

You can drop off your School Supplies at the following locations on Saturday August 1 Wal-Mart Kroger Big Lots K-Mart Lovejoy’s Market You can drop off your School Supplies at the following locations now through August 4 Marysville Public Library United Way of Union County You could also set-up a School Supply Drive collection at your workplace, Church, or organization! Contact Dave Bezusko at United Way at 937-644-8381 or via e-mail for more information.