Van Buren High Fives And School Supplies Donation Drive Begins

The Van Buren County schools began the High Fives and School Supplies Donation Drive Friday.

School Health Director Kelly Lewis said this is an opportunity for citizens, businesses, churches, and community partners to donate money or school supplies for children in need.

“I think that more families are struggling financially this year due to some people not being able to work, some people being laid off,” Lewis said. “I really anticipate that there’s going to be more of a need for some of our students to have assistance getting the needed school supplies.”

Lewis said donations last year provided backpacks full of school supplies for over 200 students.

Last year High Fives and School Supplies Giveaway was a one day donation event with people lining out the door with their donations. Lewis said because of COVID-19 concerns, the school board decided to host a donation drive instead.

“We will have the supplies available here at school,” Lewis said. “Those students who come to school and do not have all of their supplies as requested by their teachers, then they will be able to come and shop or get those items here in a room at our school.”

Lewis said she hopes to receive the same amount of donations and more through the donation drive.

Needed supplies include wide-ruled paper, glue, scissors, pens, and erasers. Monetary donations are also accepted.

The last day to make a donation is August 7. Donations can be dropped off at the Van Buren County Board of Education Office during business hours.