Anyone who has children knows just how expensive it is to get them ready to begin school. With budgets tightening, the list of school supplies students are required to provide continues to grow. Now in its ninth year, Geauga County Job and Family Services is pleased to sponsor “Help Me Learn Day,” a fun and worthwhile school supply distribution program that assists low-income children in Geauga County.
In 2014, Help Me Learn Day served over 610 children from all school districts in Geauga County. We anticipate a similar need this year. The supplies distributed range from crayons and pencils to binders and backpacks. Help Me Learn Day is made possible because of the generosity of the Geauga County community. All of the supplies distributed come solely from donations.
Two separate Help Me Learn Days are planned, one at Geauga Co. JFS on August 10, and the second at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center on August 13.
Families must pre-register and demonstrate a financial need to qualify. Children and their parents are invited to Geauga JFS or Chagrin Falls Park where volunteers will help the children “shop” for their school supplies.
There are many creative and inexpensive ways to contribute to Help Me Learn Day. Last year, numerous groups, clubs, and vacation bible schools collected supplies for this event. Families hosting parties, birthdays or reunions asked guests bring school supplies. Churches collected supplies during their Sunday offerings. Monetary donations are used to purchase needed supplies.
A grateful parent stated, “For everyone who contributed, just know that your donations are appreciated beyond words. You make a difference in the lives of so many – including us parents. Looking forward to my opportunity next year to pay it forward…God Bless.”
If you would like more information about donating, volunteering to set up or pass out school supplies, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rex Brobst at 440-285-9141, ext. 1263.
