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Salvation Army Collecting School Supplies

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By Klint  Lowry | The Suncoast News

Published: August 13, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Reading, writing and 'rithmetic are enough of a challenge without the prospect of having to do them without pencils, paper or anything to carry them in.

Back-to-school time is coming at a bad time for families struggling to just to stay financially afloat. The Salvation Army West Pasco is in the process of getting them through this time with its annual "Back to School Supply Drive."

Through Thursday, donations of school supplies are being accepted from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at two locations on weekdays:

•The Salvation Army Corps and Worship Center, 7455 Ridge Road, Port Richey.

•The Center of Hope, 8040 Washington St., Port Richey.

"There are a lot of people who need help right now," said Center of Hope manager Jeanne Coulter. The challenge is greater than ever to collect the supplies needed to meet the demand.

In particular, Coulter said, the greatest need is for backpacks. As of last week, she said, the center only had about a half-dozen of them. Ideally, the best-case scenario would be to be able to distribute backpacks each filled with an array of school supplies.

The distribution is for students of all ages, from pre-kindergarten through high school seniors, and will take place Friday. Many people have been calling already, Coulter said, to be on the list of those to receive the supplies.

They still can, by calling her at 727-847-6321, Ext. 223. Families will have to show a driver's license or other identification, Social Security card, proof of income and of residency.

There is no specific income level that defines "need," Coulter said, as one family's overall circumstances from another's. Requests for supplies will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

What's needed

With or without enough backpacks to go around, there are plenty of other items that would be greatly appreciated, including:

Student planners

Pens and No. 2 pencils

Loose leaf paper, lined index cards, pocket folders and spiral and regular notebooks

Scissors, rulers, white glue and glue sticks

Colored pencils, markers, highlighters and crayons

Calculators

Tissues, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, sealable plastic bags, paper towels and liquid soap

Klint Lowry can be reached at 727-815-1067 or klowry@suncoastnews.com.

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