The annual effort kicked off in 2011 thanks in part to the work of an Elon alum serving with the armed forces in Afghanistan.
For a sixth year, the Elon University community is chipping in to gather needed school supplies for Alamance County students.
The annual school supplies drive by Elon faculty and staff is underway, with collection of items such as new backpacks, bookbags, school supplies and personal care items to continue through Aug. 29.
The annual drive began in 2011 as the Elon community responded to an initiative to gather basical educational supplies for young children in Afghanistan that was launched by James Black ’09, then serving in the armed forces in that country. That collection effort sparked the idea for a drive to meet the needs of Alamance Burlington School System students that face the challenge of being properly equipped for the school year.
How great is the need? At the end of the 2014-15 school year, nearly 57 percent of 22,700 students in Alamance Burlington School System schools were eligible for free and reduced meals, and nearly 800 students were identified as lacking a permanent nighttime residence.
What’s needed? Here’s a list of school supplies in highest demand, though all school supplies are welcomed and appreciated:
- Bookbags
- Colored pencils
- Glue sticks
- Composition notebooks (Marble notebooks)
- 3-ring binders
- Pencil pouches
- Tab dividers
- Index cards
- Notebook paper
- Bound notebooks
- Flash drives (4 GB+)
Personal hygiene items needed include:
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Combs, brushes
- Body wash
- Deodorant
Items will be gathered in collection boxes placed around campus through noon on Monday, Aug. 29. Student and staff volunteers will separate and pack supplies to deliver them to the Alamance Burlington School System on Aug. 30.
Collection boxes are located at:
- Moseley Campus Center Information Desk
- Koury Athletics Center (near Campus Recreation)
- Koury Field House (Athletics)
- Belk Library (near the Circulation Desk)
- The Kernodle Center (Moseley 233)
- The Ellington Center for Health and Wellness
- The Francis Center Main Lobby
- Alamance Rotunda (near room 109)
- Lindner Hall (Outside Deans Suite, Room 104)
- Campus Shop (Elon Town Center)
- Campus Safety and Police (Oaks)
- Law School Deans Suite (Room 110-D)
- Outside the Great Hall by Argo Tea
Or feel free to call ext. 7200 to arrange a pick-up.