Money, supplies sought for back- to-school projects

ThisWeek 08/06/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/08/03/money-supplies-sought-for-back–to-school-projects.html

As summer vacation draws to a close, two community organizations are helping prepare students for the school year ahead.

Canal Winchester Human Services is collecting donations for its 10th annual Tools for Schools campaign and the Groveport Moose Lodge is collecting monetary donations for a new Backpack Fundraiser in conjunction with the Center for Groveport Madison Human Needs.

This year, the Groveport Moose Lodge is also soliciting financial donations to provide backpacks and supplies to Groveport Madison students as part of a program of the Center for Groveport Madison Human Needs.

Monetary donations can be made online at center4gmhn. org or mailed to P.O. Box 542, Groveport, Ohio 43125.

Groveport Madison families requesting supplies do not need to register in advance. Instead, a parent should bring a driver’s license or state identification and one current lease or utility bill to the Groveport Madison High School cafeteria from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 9, where they will be given the school supplies.

For the past 10 years, Canal Winchester Human Services has worked with area businesses, churches and residents to provide families in need with backpacks and school supplies for children attending the Canal Winchester and Bloom Carroll school districts.

Canal Winchester Human Services Administrator Penny Miller said this program can determine if a student will be able to fully participate in their education.

“A book bag filled with school supplies can cost as much as $30 to $50 and for families who already struggle to provide basic needs, it is sometimes very difficult, if not impossible, to provide this as children prepare for school,” Miller said. “Without the required supplies, students are disadvantaged because they don’t have the tools to succeed.

“Teachers are challenged to make sure that learning isn’t compromised because their students might not be able to participate fully.”

Donations of school supplies and backpacks for the Tools for Schools program can be dropped off at several locations throughout Canal Winchester, including the Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St.; the Community Food Pantry, 360 W. Waterloo St.; Faith United Methodist Church, 15 W. Columbus St.; Hope UMC, 83 E. Columbus St.; David’s United Church of Christ, 80 W. Columbus St. and David Evangelical Lutheran Church, 300 Groveport Pike, all in Canal Winchester

Donations also may be dropped off at Lithopolis UMC, 80 Market St., Lithopolis.

Financial donations for Tools for Schools can be made online at cwhumanservices.org or mailed to Canal Winchester Human Services, 22 S. Trine St., Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110.

Families requesting supplies for the Canal Winchester and Bloom Carroll districts need to register by calling 614-834-3888 or via aletha.cwhs@gmail.com.

“Just as it’s hard to be successful in the work force without proper tools, it can be difficult for students to reach their full potential if they aren’t equipped with the tools needed. With the help of our donors, we want to make sure that every student can begin the school year fully prepared,” Miller said.