Fannin County, Texas -- It will soon be back to school time. The students in Fannin County will head back to class sometime between August 15-27, depending on which district they attend. For the staff and volunteers at the Fannin County Children’s Center, back-to-school time starts now as they make preparations for their 22nd annual School Supply Drive.
This school drive is open to all needy kids in Fannin County. Families in need can come to the Fannin County Children’s Center at 112 W. 5th in Bonham on August 14, 15 or 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon or 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to sign up and receive supplies. Parents or other caregivers should bring the child’s social security card and some proof of need, such as Medicaid card, food stamps or paycheck stub.
The Children’s Center is once again seeking donations to make this effort possible. “As always, every contribution is appreciated and needed” said Sandy Barber, Executive Director of the Children’s Center. The center is now accepting paper, notebooks, pencils, folders and other school supplies on the local school supply lists. Barber said, “Donors can also donate cash and leave the shopping to us. We will use it to buy what is most needed and we will stretch the donation farther by using our tax-exempt status when making the purchases.”
In all, the agency has given out free school supplies to more than 9,700 students in the last 21 years. Organizers expect to serve 500-700 students again this year. This effort depends on contributions from many different individuals, churches, businesses and other local organizations.
Items needed include: notebook paper, pens, pencils, three-ring notebooks, folders with and without brads, spiral notebooks, rulers, scissors, markers, crayons, red pens and pencils, highlighters, glue sticks and bottles, erasers, backpacks, construction paper, manilla paper, pencil boxes and bags and other supplies from area lists.
Contributions can be delivered to the center at 112 West Fifth Street, Bonham, TX. Checks can be made out to FCCC and should include a brief notation that the gift is for school supplies. Donations can also be made on-line at www.fanninccc.org. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Organizers request that contributions arrive by August 10 or earlier if at all possible to allow time for organization and preparations. For more information, call (903) 583-4339 or go to www.fanninccc.org.