Wanted: New School Supplies for Children Served by Nonprofits

Drop Off Donations through Aug. 3 at the Somerset County Administration Building

SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women is collecting school supplies through Aug. 3 as part of “Project First Class.” Children of families served by the Food Bank Network and other nonprofits in Somerset County will benefit from the donations.

NEW school supplies – such as notebooks, three-ring binders (1½ to 3 inches), pencil cases that fit inside binders, paper, glue sticks, safety scissors, index cards, highlighters, markers, pens, pencils and crayons – will be accepted along with new or gently-used backpacks.

“Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and for them, school supplies are unaffordable,” said Freeholder Patricia Walsh, commission liaison. “We hope that individuals, organizations and businesses once again will support Project First Class and help these children get a good start in school this fall.”

Donations may be dropped off to the Somerset County Freeholders’ Office on the third floor of the county administration building at 20 Grove St., Somerville, now through Friday, Aug. 3. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck off East High Street.

Donations also may be dropped off Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., through Aug. 1, at the Somerset County Clerk’s Office, located on the first floor of the administration building.

For more information, email commission member Stella Ayala at sccswomen@gmail.com

The SCCSW serves as an advisory board to the Board of Chosen Freeholders to address present and potential needs of women and to develop a greater public awareness of women’s issues.

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New school supplies, and new or gently-used backpacks, can help kids start the school year right this fall.