United Way donating supplies

United Way of Jay County wants to help kids go back to school with the tools they need to succeed.
“There’s a huge need in this county,” said Jeanne Houchins, a member of the United Way board of directors.
Tapping $3,000 in unspent funds from prior years’ campaigns, the United Way has purchased 138 school supply kits and 132 personal hygiene kits.
The kits will be distributed to school principals, who — working with teachers and school nurses — will make sure they go to students in need.
The school supply kits, which include items such as pencils, markers, and folders, will be distributed to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The hygiene kits will be distributed to students in grades five through 12.
“They’re very affordable,” Houchins said.
“In December, I met with Dr. (Tim) Long (Jay Schools superintendent) and all the principals,” she said. “They had a huge list of needs.”
She noted some area churches and the Salvation Army also are involved in providing school supplies to households that can’t afford them. United Way hopes to work with those groups to coordinate the program in the future so there is maximum impact and a minimum of duplication and overlap.
“We need to start working on next year’s program this year,” said Houchins.
The school corporation has already received calls from parents seeking financial help with school supplies. Fifty of the hygiene kits have already been requested by Jay County High School.
“The principals appreciate those kits coming,” said central office administrator Trent Paxson.[[In-content Ad]]