As the calendar turns to August and a new school year is on the horizon, state Rep. Bob Merski is kicking off his annual back-to-school supply drive today.
Merski, D-Erie, said donations will help alleviate the financial strain that is often associated with the beginning of a new school year, while helping area students focus on adjusting to their new class schedules and academic expectations.
“As a community, we have the opportunity to band together to help our area students begin their school year off right, while assisting families to avoid having to break the bank to ensure their children have the supplies they need to succeed,” Merski said.
“The outpouring of support from past supply drives encapsulates the overwhelming generosity of our community, and I encourage those who are able to consider donating again this year.”
Merski said the following new items are especially helpful:
- Markers, including highlighters, color markers, dry-erase markers and permanent markers.
- Pencils, erasers (pencil top and large pink erasers), colored pencils, pencil boxes and pens.
- Crayons, student scissors and sticky notes.
- Backpacks, three-ring binders, folders and lined paper.
- Tissues and hand sanitizer (large, classroom-size bottle).
- Personal care items such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and hair ties.
- Socks.
Items may be brought to Merski’s 3901 Liberty St. office weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; to Eastside YMCA at 2101 Nagle Road; to Glenwood Park YMCA at 3727 Cherry St.; to Greene Township Municipal Building at 9333 Tate Road; to Harborcreek Municipal Building at 5601 Buffalo Road; or to Summit Township Municipal Building at 502 Bonniebrook Road.
The drive runs through Aug. 31. Anyone with questions should call Merski’s district office at 814-455-6319.
