Organization collecting ‘school tools’ to prep for fall

CHILLICOTHE – In just a matter of weeks, school doors will swing open and welcome students with the crinkle of fresh paper and the familiar grind of a pencil sharpener.

But not all children will be going back to school with supplies, such as pencils and paper, that they need.

Project School Tools is just one organization hoping to change that for as many students as possible again this year. The organization has been giving children backpacks full of supplies since 2004.

The annual event also provides lunch, haircuts, and various activities for the children as they pick up their grade-specific supplies.

Teri Minney, a coordinator for Project School Tools, said the program helps all children have the same enthusiasm to return for the next school year.

“It’s an incredible pleasure to send those children with all the supplies they need,” Minney said.

From local businesses and nonprofits to residents, hundreds of supplies have been donated through the years in a collaboration of the community. Even prison groups will be holding fundraisers once again this year to help with donations, and prison staff will be volunteering at the event, said Melody Haskins, of the Ross Correctional Institution.

A fundraiser held just last week by a group of inmates raised more than $240 for the project, and another inmate group plans to donate about $500 to the organization as well, Haskins said.

Last year, the program was able to assist nearly 350 families by giving out supplies and more than 800 book bags to children in need of the supplies.

The program asks, but does not require, the child’s guardian to present some proof of need. Minney said families will bring in items such as medical, Electronic Benefit Transfer or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards as evidence that they receive some sort of assistance.

“We have always been lucky enough to be able to serve everybody,” Minney said.

But even with an early start on planning this year, Minney said, the amount of donations has so far been “light.”

She hopes the annual Stuff the Bus event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Wal-Mart on Bridge Street can bring in a majority of the supplies that will go into the backpacks on Aug. 18.

Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army on East Fourth Street the day before or at Stuff the Bus.

School Supply Giveaways

High Street CCCU at 477 N. High St. on Saturday Aug. 8 from 1 - 3 p.m. at its fellowship hall will give one school supply per each school aged child will be given, but the child must be present. Free hot dogs, chips and drink will also be served.

Back to School Bash at Bethesda Christian Church 4894 Denver Rd. in Waverly will be handing out school supplies, clothing, as well as providing haircuts and lunch Saturday, Aug. 15 from 12 - 4 p.m. The school-age child must be in attendance to receive the supplies and the parent must bring a birth certificate and social security cards for everyone in the household.

School Tools for Kids Day at the Transparent Ministries Room at 606 Central Center, Chillicothe will begin at noon, and will end when supplies run out. No income verification required, but children should be present with parent or guardian.