Department of Child Services holds school supplies giveaway event for the community
This article is brought to you by Moore's Home Health and Medical Supply. For more than 68 years, Moore's Home Health has been Howard County's leading provider of assistive and adaptive home medical equipment and supplies. Call 765-454-5210 or visit Moore's at 608 W. Markland Ave. to let them help meet your healthcare needs!
The second time was the charm for the Department of Child Services Back to School event held on July 23 at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. The event, which had been rained the week prior, attracted more than 550 students and their families to the home of the Jackrabbits.
Once there, the kids got their pick from an enormous array of school supplies, from notebooks and backpacks to pencils and craft supplies.
Most of the kids appeared excited to select new items for the school year, though it was apparent on more than a few faces that some realized summer vacation was nearly over.
More than a dozen local businesses and nonprofit organizations assisted DCS in the event, donating the school supplies and ensuring that students were prepared to learn.
Even better, the families that attended were awarded ticket vouchers for a Kokomo Jackrabbits game, allowing one last hurrah before school starts for most area students later this week.
Participating sponsors of the DCS Back to School event included Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, SCAN, Scouting America, the Family Service Association, the Howard County Health Department, and many more.
Statistically, one-third of school children in the U.S. are not healthy and ready to learn at the beginning of the school year. Part of that gap is caused by the cost of school supplies. Families living in poverty struggle to provide the needed items for their children for school, prompting organizations like DCS to hold school supply drives and give-away events.
Similar back-to-school events are held by the Carver Community Center and the Kokomo Rescue Mission, underscoring the awareness of the need and the strong community response.