Couple organizes school supplies drive for Coshocton Elementary
COSHOCTON – Beth Turley hates seeing children go without school supplies.
“It’s really hard for me to see so many kids go without,” she said. “Some don’t have coats or book bags and some don’t even have pencils.”
She and her husband John are hoping they can make the start of school easier for some of these children with their Fourth annual Cram the Van School Supply Drive. The couple will have their van parked at Crowtown Pizza from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 for the public to come drop off school supplies that will be donated to Coshocton Elementary School.
“We take the donations there because our grandchildren go there,” Beth said. “Last year we had the van packed and were able to fill a closet at the school. The teachers and the staff were very appreciative.”
Supplies needed include: Book bags, folders, pens, pencils, filler paper, Clorox wipes, tissues, paper towels, sanitizer, zip lock bags, dry erase markers, one to two inch binders, highlighters, and pencil erasers.
“I was at the school right before the end of the year and that closet we filled was empty,” John said. “They used every bit of the stuff they got last year.”
Donations of hats, gloves, socks and underwear also are welcome. However, no cash donations will be taken. Anyone wanting to make a monetary donation is welcome to contact the school.
Helping to sponsor the supply drive in addition Beth and John Turley are Zanies Lawn Displays, and Crow-Town Squatchers. Beth also wants to give special mention to Marty Ralston at Crowtown Pizza for allowing them to set up in his parking lot.
Beth and John both said this year they would love to run out of room in their van for supplies.
“A lot of kids just don’t have the essentials,” Beth said. “Children want to go to school with new stuff. Even if it’s out of our closet at least it is new.”
She plans to take the donated supplies to Coshocton Elementary School the day after school starts so teachers have a better idea of who is in need of what items.
“It’s all about being able to help the kids,” Beth said. “We just want to do our best for them every year.”
Back to school events
Care Kit Drive: Sixth Street Tattoo is having a Care Kit Drive for Coshocton Elementary School. They want to provide personal care products for students to start the school year looking and feeling fresh. Call 740-622-8282 with any questions.
Back to School Fair: New Beginnings Ministries will hold its annual back to school fair from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the church 331 E. Church St. Everyone is welcome to attend this free outreach. Supplies are available for all children grades K-12. The event also includes: Volunteers who are available for prayer, free backpacks, free school supplies, free lice checks, free haircuts, free hot dogs and popsicles, free nail makeovers, free clothing. For more information, call the church at 740-824-4878.
School Supply Drive: The 17th annual Women of Witness “Helping Hands” School Supply Drive will be Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Word Worship Center on the corner of Eighth and Orange streets from 1 to 3 p.m. They are now accepting school supplies or monetary donations to provide assistance to families with kids going back to school. School supplies can be placed in the box outside their office at 305 Main St., Coshocton. Monetary donations can be mailed to Women of Witness, PO Box 742, Coshocton.
Category: Education
