Although school started last week, Community Outreach* is still receiving calls from worried parents whose children are attending school without basic supplies.
  The added expense of mandated school uniforms has turned the supply lists of some children into wish lists for their parents who cannot afford to purchase essential items on the lists.
  Community Outreach wants to ensure that every child in this area is equipped with the fundamental supplies to help make their school year a success. During a time in which passing exit exams are a major concern for students as well as parents, Community Outreach director Wallace Floyd agrees that this is not the time for students to play catch up because they are not adequately prepared for school.
   “To help us target eligible students, we are relying on guidance counselors and principals to refer families in need of assistance. We will assist as many families as our funds will allow.” states Wallace.
  “To help us meet basic supply needs, we are asking the community to donate basic items such as notebooks, pencils, scissors, etcetera so that they may be distributed to deserving students. Backpacks must be clear or mesh bags since this is the requirement of most schools,” continues Wallace.
  Community Outreach is currently purchasing many of the above items as well as purchasing uniforms for needy students in the community.
  “Unfortunately, this time of year is a low point in donations. To assist us in helping students stay in school, we are appealing to the community to help make those purchases,” Wallace states.
   Donations may be dropped off at the Community Outreach drop box or at any school office.