By Joseph Knoop
A school-supply drive for Hamilton County students will take place from June 23 to July 23.
The drive originates from a partnership between county Walmart locations, United Way of Central Indiana and Indy BackPack Attack with the aim of providing the supplies for disadvantaged children in the county.
More than 50 organizations and community associations will be coming together to collect the supplies, including businesses, churches, service organizations and others.
Anyone wishing to donate can stop by a Hamilton County Walmart from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19 and from noon to 5 p.m July 20.
A school bus will be parked outside each Walmart during those two days and people are encouraged to help fill them with their donations.
After July 20, a large bin will be placed outside in its stead.
“The sad reality is that many families in our county cannot afford to buy the basic school supplies that children are required to have in the classroom,” said Joan Isaac, Hamilton County area director for United Way of Central Indiana. “The Hamilton County BackPack Attack helps remove a barrier to learning for many children living in poverty in Hamilton County.”
Donations may also be dropped off at Hamilton County libraries, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Fishers YMCA and Primelife Enrichment in Carmel. BackPack Attack donation boxes will placed at other businesses and organizations within the county.
The organization requests that all donations be new, unused items.
BackPack Attack also accepts cash donations. Checks can be made out to: United Way of Central Indiana with Hamilton County BackPack Attack written in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to: United Way of Central Indiana, 650 E. Carmel Drive, Suite 340, Carmel, IN 46032.
Anyone wishing to participate in the drive and obtain lists of needed supplies should call the Hamilton County office of United Way of Central Indiana at 566-6721 or email [email protected]
