More than 2,000 students across Bartholomew County will go back to school next week carrying backpacks filled with school supplies from the Bartholomew County School Supply Assistance Program.
For just two days a year, the Bartholomew County School Supply Assistance Program can alleviate the stress of spending hundreds of dollars on basic school supplies for local families in need.
“When we look across the county at those who are taking advantage of free and reduced lunch program through the schools, those numbers have been growing,” said Diane Doup, community relations director at Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center. “Sometimes money can be tight due to a variety of reasons — income, illness or an emergency that causes a financial strain. Programs like this are so critical to help families bridge that gap.”
On Tuesday, hundreds of families lined up outside FairOaks Mall between 4 and 6 p.m. for students to choose a backpack, and hundreds more are expected today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To receive a free backpack and supplies, families were required to pre-register with the program.
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Through donations, supply drives and monetary contributions, the assistance program packs about 2,000 backpacks every year with school supplies according to Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp. and Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. supply lists for each grade level. Bags are filled with folders, paper, glue sticks, pencils, crayons and more.
Collaborating organizations include Advocates for Children, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., Centra Credit Union, Columbus Regional Health, Columbus Sunrise Rotary, Community Center of Hope, Cummins Inc., Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center, Su Casa and United Way 2-1-1. Dozens of other local businesses and organizations have also sponsored the program through donations.
“When you see families on a regular basis who are struggling to make ends meet,” Doup said, “to be able to alleviate stress for a family who is working hard and doing all things right but seem to find themselves in a financial strain, to be able to give children an equal opportunity to start school is very rewarding.”
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To donate to the Bartholomew County School Supply Assistance Program, visit uwbarthco.org/bcssap.
If you or your organization would like to get involved, contact Alicia Monroe at amonroe@uwbarthco.org or call 812-376-0011.
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The school year kicks off next week for all Bartholomew County students. The following dates are the first day of school for each corporation:
Aug. 6 – Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp.
Aug. 7 – Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.
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Pre-registered families can receive their free backpacks and school supplies today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at FairOaks Mall, 2390 25th St. To stay up-to-date with registration for next year’s giveaway, “like” the Bartholomew County School Supply Assistance Program on Facebook at facebook.com/BCSSAP.
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