Local volunteers are well aware that the first day of school can be a tough time for children from low-income families.
“A lot of people don’t think of Arlington Heights as a place with a lot of need,” said Tiffany Repsher, chairwoman of the Arlington Heights Jaycees’ School Supply Drive, “but there are many children in town whose families can’t afford school supplies.”
Repsher said the Jaycees’ effort has gotten a boost from officials at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, where a collection box for school supplies has been placed near the check-out desk.
A bulletin board has been devoted to the cause as well, encouraging patrons to donate supplies such as sheafs of loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, crayons, glue and other items.
Repsher said the Jaycees plan to distribute the new and slightly-used supplies to children who are enrolled in the district’s free or subsidized lunch program, or any youngsters in need.
A similar program is being spearheaded by employees and retirees of Ameritech in Hoffman Estates. This month, Ameritech Pioneer volunteers are aiming to collect 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.
“We have not had one person say this project is too hard,” said volunteer Margaret Quinones, who is keeping track of the hundreds of backpacks that employees will pack into vans at the company’s loading dock. “It gives you such a good feeling.”
Ameritech Pioneers spokeswoman Everlena Davis said the effort will provide tools for learning for needy children attending Schaumburg Elementary School District 54 and Elgin Unit School District 46, as well as local United Way organizations.
