Tools for Schools Program 2015

Families in Muskingum County may not have to deal with the burden of high school supplies costs this year.

Eastside Community Ministry is helping residents all over the county combat those high costs with its annual “Tools for Schools” program. The ministry will fill backpacks with all of the essentials students need for the new school year. Co-chair, Ellen Shaw, said those interested must register first.

“We’re registering right now at Eastside Community Ministry, we’ll be here Wednesday and Thursday, from 9-4, we’re going to pack 1,000 backpacks this year and we will pack until we have the thousand, so we’re hoping by 4 o’clock on Thursday we have 1,000 applications,” Shaw said.

The ministry will accept donations through the end of July. If you’re interested in donating, you can visit any Community Bank, People’s Bank, or the main branch of the Muskingum County Public Library. Shaw said the ministry is also in need of volunteers to fill the backpacks.

“We pack them at Zanesville Middle School, and then we’ll pass them out on Thursday, Aug. 6, and they drive up there they have their card, they show that card and their ID, and then we bring that backpack for that family out to them, so it’s a drive-thru type of distribution,” Shaw said.

To volunteer, call Eastside Community Ministry, at 740-452-7519.