Area agencies team up to provide school supplies

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Back to school is right around the corner and area agencies have teamed up to ensure all students have the supplies for success.

The United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties has partnered with programs in the area that assist low-income students with required school supplies.

Becky Clawson, community impact director at United Way of MPM, said their office partnered with programs in all three counties they cover donating funds to each one.

“We’re happy to partner not only with the Perry County back to school bash and the kindergarten backpack event here in Muskingum County, but the Morgan United Ministries provides those tools for school as well,” said Clawson.

The programs provide anything from backpacks to shoes and supplies like pencils, paper, and notebooks to families who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to purchase them.

“Churches are very generous in the community but it really just wasn’t meeting the whole need, so we decided to collaborate and bring all of our resources together to make sure that every child who stated that they had a need could be served,” said Cheryl Boley, director of Perry County Job and Family Services.

Boley said they found their event to be very successful because so many people attend due to the need of supplies.

Thasia Schilling, the coordinator for Muskingum County Family and Children First Council, said a little bit from everyone can help out in a big way.

“The United Way is part of our council and so being that they’ve been able to help us fulfill our need, which is the same with theirs, of making sure that every kid is ready for school,” said Schilling.

The 10th Annual Kindergarten Backpack and School Supplies Event will take place at the Zane State/OUZ Campus Center on August 5th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and is open to all kindergarteners enrolled in a Muskingum County school. Students will receive a drawstring bag with their school logo and supplies consistent with the school districts supply lists.

The 8th Annual Perry County Back to School Bash will take place on August 12th at the Perry County Fairgrounds. Over 800 children in need will receive a backpack, school supplies kit, tennis shoes and a hooded sweatshirt with their school logo. For those who did not go through the application process, Boley still encourages all to attend. There will be multiple vendors, including beauticians that will provide haircuts.