'The Back To School Project' Has Kicked Off For Cedar Valley Children In Need

The Back to School Project believes that students deserve to have new supplies when they walk into their classroom in the fall. The goal of the Project is to provide school supplies to students who may not be able to afford them. Cedar Valley students in Kindergarten through middle school are eligible.

This will be the 22^nd year for the Annual Back to School Project. Supplies were given to more than 3,000 students last year. That number is expected to grow again this year.

Although this is not a Food Bank program, families seeking assistance must register their students at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, 1605 Lafayette, Waterloo, from July 6^th until August 14^th. Registration is necessary so that each student receives the supplies requested by their school for their grade. School supplies will be distributed in August before the beginning of the school year. Several businesses, organizations and churches help support the Project every year by serving as collection sites.

“Some businesses help by participating in Casual for a Cause, or by having department contests to see who can bring in the most school supplies or raise the most money,” - Ruth Orth, Director

To continue to meet the need of students, the Back to School Project is seeking donations of school supplies.

Needed supplies include:

school boxes
wide rule spiral notebooks
no.2 wooden pencils
markers
pocket folders
school scissors
backpacks
glue sticks
dry erase markers
sticky notes

New school supplies may be dropped off at several different collection sites, including the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.Monetary donations can be mailed to Back to School Project, PO Box 2334, Waterloo, IA 50704.

This year you can also contribute to the Back to School Project when you order items online at Amazon.Smile. Also, you can check to see if your company has a matching gift program.

Volunteers are also needed. If interested in helping with registration or distribution, please contact Ruth Orth at 319-240-7470.

Filed Under: Northeast Iowa Food Bank