Back to School Supplies Needed for Drive

Back-to-school displays have already begun popping up in local stores, from pharmacies to office supply shops.

But what if classroom staples don't fit within the family budget?

For the past 11 years, the has collected crayons, markers, folders, pens and pencils—among other supplies—for 400 students in need.

“In recent years, public schools have increasingly shifted responsibility for providing supplies to students and families,” said Community Center board member Deborah Cerar, head of this year’s School Supplies Drive.

“For families in need, this can present an imposing financial challenge. At the same time, schools provide very specific instructions as to brand and quality of supplies needed. The Center’s drive helps all students start the school year right,” she said.

Individual donors provide most of the supplies needed but this year's drive got a head start with a $100 donation from the Lewisboro Seniors group and donations from the Katonah Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, said organizers. Some parents ordering supplies for their own children ordered extra kits which have already been delivered to the center.

Every contributions helps, said Cerar.

“Single item donations by individuals, organized collections by service-minded youths or organizations, monetary gifts from generous donors— all these add up to enable the Center to give hundreds of local students a better start to the school year.”

The following new items are being accepted:

• Crayola Thin Tip Markers, “Classic Colors”
• Crayola Broad Tip Markers, “Classic Colors”
• Crayola Box of 24 Crayons
• #2 Pencils in Packages of 12
• Plastic Folders (no paper, please)
• Blue or Black Pens in Packages of 12
• Colored Pencils
• Loose Leaf Lined Paper
• Subject Dividers
• Toddler Crayons
• Construction Paper
• Elmer’s Glue
• Scotch Tape
• Or, a donation of $25 will provide a student with basic school supplies along with a new reading book

Donations may be brought to the Center at 84 Bedford Road in Katonah from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM Tuesdays through Fridays and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. If you would like to volunteer to help sort and pack school supplies, please contact the Center at 232-6572.