Help some kids get ready for school.
Between now and Friday, Aug. 19, book bags and school supplies are being collected around the Valley.
Last year, over 150 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected.
Donations are accepted at J. Cuts Barbershop on 505 Howe Ave. in downtown Shelton. For more information call Jennifer Sneider, owner at J Cuts, 203 – 924-4107.
This drive — originally started by the owners of Luther’s Garage, which is now closed— continues on an annual basis through Sneider.
Supplies may include book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders. Supplies are collected for all school-aged children from preschool to high school. All book bags and supplies must be brand new.
“The outpouring of kindness within the community always warms my heart,” Sneider said. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or ten dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on. It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need.”
For the first time last year, Bright Horizons Day Care and First United Methodist Church held their own collections and dropped off donations. In addition, Barb’s Corner Consignment in Ansonia also joined the drive last year.
Minuteman Press in Shelton, donated collection posters again. Other local businesses and organizations are invited to join in by holding collections of their own and contributing them to J. Cuts.
For a second year in a row, coordinators of the drive were contacted by Jackie Romaniuk, Dental Health Care Specialist with the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership. They provided oral kits each containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and oral health education.
“The oral health kits contain tips to keep the mouth healthy as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth for the benefit of a person’s general health. The beginning of the school year traditionally correlates with starting new routines and habits,” Romaniuk said. “This seems like the perfect opportunity to spread the oral health message of the importance of daily oral hygiene and scheduling a dental exam.”
Over 250 oral kits were given to all students who received back to school donations, as well as, the Milford Department of Children & Families office.
Children receiving donations from this community drive last year are serviced by TEAM, Inc. and Irving School in Derby, along with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Resource Center, and the Shelton School Readiness Program along with BHcare in Ansonia.
“The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is forever grateful for receiving backpacks and dental kits to support our families in need,”Jen DeLeon, unit director said. “The smiles on our member’s faces are absolutely priceless as they feel so much more confident getting ready for their first day of school!”
J. Cuts is also the main collection location for the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. The eleventh annual drive will begin Jan. 1, 2017. Although this community drive officially kicks off in January donations are accepted at any time. For safety and allergy reasons, donations must be new stuffed monkeys with tags.
The monkey drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive.
