While donations of supplies have poured in, organizers of Saturday’s Tenth Annual Polk County Back to School Extravaganza say more are always needed.
“And, of course, volunteers,” says coordinator Kathy Drake. “Volunteers are always welcomed and it takes many to make this event happen.”
The drive-through distribution, held from 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday on the Bolivar High School campus, 1401 Hwy. D, Bolivar, provides free school supplies, socks, under garments and hygiene supplies to Polk County K-12 students.
Drake does remind parents and guardians the drive-through setup allows all to stay in their vehicles, but each student receiving supplies must be in the vehicle.
The drive-through style of distribution will be adapted this year with two pick-up lanes.
Organized by Bolivar’s Open Hearts United Methodist Church, the extravaganza unites churches, businesses, organizations and individuals to work together to provide these supplies and help families and students get excited about going back to school.
Help needed:
For those interested in volunteering, the event is in need of help at 7:30 a.m., Friday at the Open Hearts Bolivar United Methodist Church, 105 E. Division in Bolivar, to load collected supplies for delivery to Bolivar High School. Or, volunteers can be at the school by 7:45 a.m. to help unload. On Saturday, volunteers should arrive at the school by 7:30 a.m. Those available to volunteer either day should contact the church at 417-326-4885. Donations of the three-ring binders and pencil pouches or money to purchase these items can be made at the church also.
“It’s amazing how so many people from our county work together to help our students get a positive start back to school,” says Drake. “We want our kids excited about going to school. It’s a huge effort, and it takes lots of volunteers, lots of money and lots of supplies to make it happen. But it’s so worth it to support our kids, families and schools.”
For more information, contact Open Hearts United Methodist Church at 417-326-4885.
