The United Way of Junction City, working with USD 475, are asking members of the community to donate school supplies to help children in the district whose families may struggle to provide the necessary items to start the school year.
With the 2015-16 academic year approaching now is the time many families begin to buy the necessary school supplies.
“We know that 62% of the children in USD 475 qualify for free or reduced cost lunches. That is a strong indicator that families need help with many of the basics,” said Ailleen Cray, Executive Director of United Way. “United Way is focusing on three primary areas of service in our community — education, income staility and health. This project ties directly into our efforts in education.”
Supplies needed include 3-ring binders, 3 x 3 sticky notes, black dry erase markers, Clorox wipes, composition books, Crayola crayons – 24 pack, Fiskar Scissors, gallon Zipock freezer bags, glue sticks, hand sanitizer – 8 oz., Kleenex — large box, large pink erasers, plain pocket folders, quart Ziplock freezer bags, white glue – 8 oz., wide ruled notebook paper, wide ruled spiral notebooks, yellow highlighters, and yellow#2 pencils.
There will be three major public donation dates where community members can help with this project. They are Saturdays, July 18, August 1, and August 8 at Wal-Mart at 521 East Chestnut from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each of those days.
Several businesses will also serve as drop-off locations for school supplies. They include Central National Bank locations, Exchange Bank locations, Geary Community Hospital, Intrust Bank, KS State Bank, Landmark National Bank, Millennium Bank, and Sunflower Bank.
Donations can also be dropped off at the United Way Office, 139 East 8th Street, Monday through Friday. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If people do not wish to shop for school supplies, financial contributions may also be made. All funds generated will be spent on the purchase of additional school supplies. Checks should be made to United Way with “Stuff the Bus” written on the memo line. Mail checks to United Way, P.O. Box 567, Junction City, KS 66441.
Distribution of the school supplies will be handled by the schools. Supplies will be delivered to the schools the week prior to the first day of classes. Teachers will have access to the supplies as directed by the principal at their specific school.
United Way is also seeking volunteers to help with this program. They are needed to sort and pack the donated supplies on Tuesday, Auguast 11 from 9 a.m. until noon. This part of the project will be coordinated at the United Way Office. Volunteers would also be needed to help with the delivery of the supplies on Wednesday, August 12. There will be two shifts that day. The morning shift will go from 9 a.m. until noon, and the afternoon shift from 1 to 4 p.m. Help would also be appreciated for the final delivery push on Friday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to noon.
If you wish to volunteer contact the United Way at 785-238-2117 or email director@unitedwayjcgc.org.