[kittygilchrist]

Villagers, we are in the midst of some communities of economically disadvantaged youth. 80% of children in many areas surrounding us get free/reduced lunches. These kids are being asked to bring a backpack full of supplies to class August 6.

Many may not be able to afford the supplies, much less a backpack. Our opportunity to donate is time-limited but we still have a few days to deliver items to the REGIONAL rec center in the county of our choice.

Highest need: Backpacks
Next: Kindermats
Towels for resting on kindermat
Pencils
Erasers, cap and bar
Pencil pouches
Crayons
Glue stick
Markers
Erasable markers
Notebook paper wide rule
Spiral notebooks
Rulers, inches and centimeters
Colored pencils
Two pocket folders with prongs
Highlighters
Graph paper
Sheet protectors

for classrooms:
ziplocs, all sizes
hand sanitizer, large bottles
handiwipes
cotton balls
alcohol
Kleenex and more Kleenex
scissors
dry erase markers and erasers
sharpie markers
magic markers
band aids, non-latex

Let's do it.
Kitty

[bkcunningham1]

@Kitty, if I'm not mistaken, August 2-4 is Florida's tax-free weekend for purchasing certain school supplies. http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/pdf/tip13a01-04.pdf

[PammyJ]

Kudos to you for organizing this! The school supplies will help out tremendously! I work at a school in another county with high poverty as well. Every year I try to find organizations to help me put shoes and socks on students who cannot afford them and support for eye glasses for students who need them and can not afford them. These are two areas that will be high need in any high poverty area that many do not think of. Every-year I find someone who will help out the children! I call them angels! Just a few more ideas that will help throughout the year.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by PammyJ

Kudos to you for organizing this! The school supplies will help out tremendously! I work at a school in another county with high poverty as well. Every year I try to find organizations to help me put shoes and socks on students who cannot afford them and support for eye glasses for students who need them and can not afford them. These are two areas that will be high need in any high poverty area that many do not think of. Every-year I find someone who will help out the children! I call them angels! Just a few more ideas that will help throughout the year.

PammyJ, what size shoes and socks do you need? Plenty of Villagers will go shopping and can toss them in the backpack.
Kitty
also, I DID NOT organize this collection at regional centers, I just heard about it and shouted.

[PammyJ]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

PammyJ, what size shoes and socks do you need? Plenty of Villagers will go shopping and can toss them in the backpack.
Kitty

Since elementary schools in my county are preK-6 any child's size will help. What I suggest is maybe picking a school and donating new shoes to school counselor. What happens is some students either don't get new shoes every year or in winter time only have sandals to wear. This works well for jackets as well. You would not believe the amount of students that don't have jackets to wear when it is cold. The school can keep a stash as students need them. Iusually wait until school starts and specifically compile a list based on need. My supporters will then go shopping for specific students and deliver shoes to school.

[Jejuca]

The Lion's Club may be able to help with eye exams and glasses.

[ilovetv]

Kitty, what organization is collecting supplies at the regional rec centers, and what schools are the beneficiaries?

Thanks for the opportunity to give back in thanks for all our blessings.

[kittygilchrist]

ilovetv, I don't know the answer to that. If you can find out from VCDD and post, it would be welcome info. I'm sure that anyone wishing to designate to a particular school could go to the school and do that.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

ilovetv, I don't know the answer to that. If you can find out from VCDD and post, it would be welcome info. I'm sure that anyone wishing to designate to a particular school could go to the school and do that.

Is this the collection drive?

Frank Slaughter Insurance

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

Is this the collection drive?

Frank Slaughter Insurance

Looks like it...if so hats off and hope they get some business from putting heart into the community.

[kittygilchrist]

bump

[THE NEWCOMER]

I'm stuck in VA and would like to send a check. I would like a name and address to mail to. Thanks!

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by THE NEWCOMER

I'm stuck in VA and would like to send a check. I would like a name and address to mail to. Thanks!

any particular county or type supplies/shoes you want to get?
I'll try to help you make connections.
Kitty

[THE NEWCOMER]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

any particular county or type supplies/shoes you want to get?
I'll try to help you make connections.
Kitty

Wildwood/ School supply for the kids! Thanks!

[graciegirl]

I think the drive is for all area schools including Lady Lake and Fruitland Park and Leesburg.

Many churches are backing the backpack program too. I know our village does and the Colored Pencil Painters Guild does too.

We are a bunch of involved and caring folks here.

The guidance counselor for Lady Lake school came to our village meeting to thank us for our support of the backpack program. We were very surprised to learn that homeless children go to that school. She is a great educator and facilitator for good for her kids. It was most inspiring.