Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry’s school supply distribution a success
Published 10:00 pm Monday, August 3, 2015
![Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry held its 11th annual school supplies distribution event in Polk County High School’s cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 1. More than 300 children received a year’s worth of supplies that were donated by community members and area churches. Polk County Sheriff Deputies Jesse Smith and Dane Fox passed out folders and writing utensils donated by the sheriff’s office. Smith and Fox were joined by 19 other local businesses and agencies that provided information to parents and gifts to children. (Photo by Brandon Shanesy)](https://www.tryondailybulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2015/08/COVER8.4WEB.jpg)
Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry held its 11th annual school supplies distribution event in Polk County High School’s cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 1. More than 300 children received a year’s worth of supplies that were donated by community members and area churches. Polk County Sheriff Deputies Jesse Smith and Dane Fox passed out folders and writing utensils donated by the sheriff’s office. Smith and Fox were joined by 19 other local businesses and agencies that provided information to parents and gifts to children. (Photo by Brandon Shanesy)
Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry held its 11th annual school supplies distribution event at Polk County High School on Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supplies were donated by community members and local churches, and then organized into kits that fulfill the requirements for each grade.
Approximately 230 Polk County children received school supply kits and their choice of book bag within the first hour of the event, according to Thermal Belt Outreach Client Services Manager Michelle Reedy. Blue Ridge Community Health Services performed health screenings alongside the Columbus Lions Club, which provided eye screenings.
Other local entities such as the Polk County Public Library, Steps to HOPE, Polk County Wellness Center, Collins Dental Center and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were in attendance passing out gifts to children.
“I look at this like a crisis prevention program,” said Reedy. “It has a huge impact on our children and gives them an equal step on their education.”
“These people have value in our community, and I’m glad that Outreach is able to help them; nothing compares to this,” she added.
Reedy’s team of volunteers spent more than a week preparing the school cafeteria for the event.
Those who were unable to attend but are in need of school supply assistance are encouraged to visit the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry center located at 134 White Drive in Columbus.