Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Outreach) is gearing up for its annual Back-To-School Supply Drive.  Without this drive, many Polk County students would be without the necessary school supplies essential for academic success.  Last year, more than 300 school children were provided with pencils, packs of paper, book bags, erasers, crayons and glue sticks, among other items, through the generosity of the community.

“This year we expect the need to be even greater for children and families in crisis.  Michelle Reedy, client services manager, said “With over half of our county’s school children eligible to receive reduced or free lunch, we know that many of them will qualify for school supplies too.  Creating a level playing field for these youngsters to get off to a good start in school helps them feel good about themselves and encourages pride in doing their lessons well.”

Outreach collects schools supplies throughout the year to stock special supply closets within each school; however, the annual school supply drive begins during the early summer months  to prepare for the coming school year.