Here’s where to find free school supplies…
There is still time for some late summer vacation fun, but the start of the new school year will be here before you know it.
As Southern Tier families begin preparing for back-to-school routines, here are some places and events where parents and guardians can pick up free school supplies, including backpacks, hygiene products and healthcare kits.
Already ready for the new year? Several organizations distributing free school materials are still in the midst of collecting supplies. Find information here about how to donate to help those efforts.
For the eighth year, CARES and the City of Binghamton are teaming up for the Backpack/School Supplies Giveaway event.
All Binghamton city school students, kindergarten through 12th grade, are eligible for backpacks and other school supplies, free of charge.
Distribution will take place over three days at five sites. Here are the dates, times and places.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
From 10 a.m. until noon at the NOMA Community Center at Walnut Street Park, 121 Walnut St.
Thursday, Aug. 24
The hours are 10 a.m. until noon, Lee Barta Community Center, 108 Liberty St.
Friday, Aug. 25
Takes place 10 a.m. to noon at three locations: Recreation Park, 103 Laurel Ave.; Saratoga Community Center, 60 Saratoga Ave.; and Carlisle Community Center, 150 Moeller St.
Binghamton YWCA Young Wonders Childcare Center School Supply Drive
The Binghamton YWCA Young Wonders Childcare Center caters to families in need, with some 87% living in poverty. The supply drive is designed to provide items like notebooks, pencils and backpacks to approximately 40 students entering kindergarten and other school-age youngsters.
To find out what supplies are still needed, visit YWCA Facebook page.
Donations are being accepted through Sept. 1 at 80 Hawley St. and the supplies will be distributed starting around Sept. 4.
Chenango Valley Warrior School Supplies Drive
A Warrior School Supplies Drive for Chenango Valley Central School students is underway.
Community members are invited to drop off supplies for all grade levels at the Chenango Bridge Elementary School, main entrance, 741 River Road, through Aug. 25. There will be a bin located at the security entrance for drop off.
The following are the most needed items:• Pencils• Pens• Crayons/colored pencils• Pink erasers• Earphones• 2-pocket folders• Wide-ruled loose-leaf paper• Composition notebooks• Backpacks• Glue sticks• Highlighters• 1-subject notebooks• 1″ Binders
All items collected will be distributed to CV families at a “School Supplies Giveaway” on Friday, Aug. 25. More information on hours will be posted.
For questions, contact CV Community School Coordinator Jackie DeAngelo at 607-240-3177.
United Way of Southern Tier distributing non-traditional back-to-school supplies
The United Way of the Southern Tier is holding a non-traditional back-to-school drive this year, seeking toiletries to meet the basic needs of children in Chemung and Steuben counties.
The United Way will distribute the items collected to local schools and youth centers where there is an identified need.
The following items are being collected through Sept. 15:
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Bar soap
Deodorant
Lip balm
Hand cream
Comb/brush/pick
Small packets of tissues
Small bottles of hand sanitizer
Please deliver items to the United Way of the Southern Tier at 88 E. Tioga Ave. in Corning or arrange for a pick-up by calling 607-377-5834.
Source: Press Connects