It’s that time of year again, when school supply lists from every grade in every county in every state are neatly organized in pop-up cardboard carousels at every major retailer. The result is a frenzy of excited mothers — and less excited kids — trekking the aisles for that perfect “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” folder or the bubble-gum-pink ruler. But, not all families can afford to check every item off the list.
That’s why several organizations in Plant City have launched school supplies drives to help local students transition from the pool float to the desk chair.
HOPE NOW
The Hay Exchange
4950 U.S. 92
(813) 754-5405
Donations will be collected through Aug. 13.
For several years, The Hay Exchange has held school-supply drives, in addition to its holiday food drives. This year, however, the store has teamed up with Metropolitan Ministries, a non-profit that serves poor and homeless families. Called “Hope Now,” locals can bring in school supplies to The Hay Exchange, 4950 U.S. 92.
“We want to do something for the local community,” said Michael Glisson, manager over retail sales. “We want to stay connected with the patrons who come in. It’s our way of paying it forward.”
For each donation made during the drive, the donor will receive one entry ticket for a chance to win one of two gift cards to The Hay Exchange, valued at $50 each.
Already, The Hay Exchange has received about 30 items. And the store isn’t just accepting supplies. If you make a monetary donation, that money will be used to purchase the necessary items.
Donations will be collected through Aug. 13. The drawing will be held around Aug. 16.
MADISON’S MISSION
HelpMadisonsMission.blogspot.com
Donations will be accepted until the start of school, Aug. 19.
Drop off donations at:
The Artistry
1505 S. Alexander St. Suite 102
(813) 717-7700
Absolute Auto Repair
13095 U.S. 92, Dover
(813) 659-1302
Bailey Elementary student Madison Brewer has her sights set on helping students at her school and five others this year by providing school supplies to those in need with her non-profit, Madison’s Mission.
The mission started as an idea inspired by Sunday School lessons on missionaries. Madison began collecting change to feed families during the holidays.
Now, her Back-to-School Supply Drive is helping kids her age. She has had help from Tomlin Middle School’s National Junior Honors Society in collecting supplies — but not enough for Madison.
“Her goal is to support six schools so we are hoping to get enough to at least provide some for all six schools,” her mother, Deanna Brewer, said. “We will also do the shopping if people would rather give monetary donations.”
Those schools include Bailey, Cork, Dover and Wilson elementaries, Tomlin Middle School, and Simmons Career and Exceptional Center.
To meet her ambitious goal, Madison has extended her collection deadline until school starts Aug. 19. To donate supplies or make a monetary contribution, visit The Artistry, 1505 S. Alexander St. Suite 102, Absolute Auto Repair, 13095 U.S. 92, Dover, or HelpMadisonsMission.blogspot.com.
STUFF THE BUS
Donations will be accepted until Aug. 8. Drop off at:
Stingray Chevrolet
2002 N. Frontage Road
(813) 704-2092
Winn-Dixie
205 W. Alexander St.
(813) 754-9338
Southside Western Wear
3014 James L. Redman Parkway
(813) 752-2379
There’s one more week to drop off donations for the Seventh Annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Plant City and Unity in the Community.
The organizations will be accepting school supplies until Aug. 8, at three different drop-off points: Stingray Chevrolet, 2002 N. Frontage Road; Winn Dixie, 205 W. Alexander St.; and Southside Western Wear, 3014 James L. Redman Parkway.
“It’s a great event,” organizer Sharon Moody said. “It helps the kids.”
Last year, the organizations were able to buy more than 700 backpacks for students at Plant City-area schools. By comparison, they collected 100 in the drive’s inaugural year, 2008.
Employees at South Florida Baptist Hospital and City Hall, as well as high school Key Club members, donated their time last year to help package the supplies.
The organizations may call the event Stuff the Bus, but over the years, they have stuffed school supplies into pickups, instead.
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR …
Another big school drive is one hosted by State Farm agents throughout the Tampa Bay area. Locally, Courtney Paat’s office is collecting donations until Aug. 20, at her two locations, 1805 James L. Redman Parkway, Suite 10, in Plant City, or 5228 U.S. 98 N., in Lakeland.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
WHAT TO DONATE
10-pack of pencils
12-inch rulers
Baggies
Child-friendly scissors
Colored markers
Colored pencils
College-rule paper
Composition notebooks
Copy paper
Crayons
Dry-erase markers
Eraser (block)
Glue sticks
Highlighters
Kleenex tissues
New backpacks (teens and children)
Pencil cases
Pens
Posterboard
Post-it Notes
Three-ring binders (1-inch to 1.5-inch)
Three-prong folders
Thumb drives
Wipes
FUN FACTS
• Blue is the most popular Crayola crayon color.
• According to the latest consumer survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics, more than one-third of back-to-school shoppers expect to make a portion of their purchases online.
• According to Guinness World Records, the world’s longest pencil is 1,061 feet and 4.59 inches. It was created by Ed Douglas Miller, of the United Kingdom, and was measured Sept. 17, 2013, in Worcester, Worcestershire.
SHOT RECORD
Free back-to-school physicals and immunizations are being offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling (813) 443-3048.
If you can’t make it on Aug. 9, walk-ins are accepted at two Tampa schools on Aug. 16. For more information, visit sdhc.k12.fl.us/calendar.