It may seem hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about kids going back-to-school. That’s why Rochester Area Neighborhood House is hoping local residents and businesses will be willing to assist with a worthwhile back-to-school initiative.
Neighborhood House, a private, nonprofit human service organization, is kicking off its annual school supply drive to support the children of low-income families in the greater Rochester/Auburn Hills community. Neighborhood House strives to make sure children in financially struggling families have the same opportunities available to them as any other child in the area.
Neighborhood House currently serves qualifying individuals and families in Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township and Addison Township by partnering with other social service providers to help them move toward self-sufficiency. We are currently partnering with another local nonprofit, Kidz Kare, for its Back-to-School Bonanza in an effort to ensure that all local children are fully prepared to head back to school in September.
We invite members of the community to join us in supporting this cause by purchasing and donating school supply items for children in need. We need hundreds of the following items: backpacks for children from the ages of 5 to 18, 1½ inch 3 ring binders, binder dividers (five in a set), crayons (24 count), large erasers, large glue sticks, highlighters, markers (classic and fine point), spiral notebooks (wide ruled and college ruled), filler paper (wide ruled and college ruled), pencil cases, colored pencils (24 count), mechanical pencils, pens (blue and red ink), pocket folders (with and without prongs), plastic rulers with both inch and metric measurements and scissors (dull point and sharp point).
As school supplies go on sale, we hope everyone will go shopping and make a donation that will touch the life of a child in need. Last year, our organization helped more than 650 local children with back-to-school supplies, and we expect even more children will seek assistance this year. You may drop off all school supplies in donation boxes at the following locations until August 5:
- Ram’s Horn Restaurant – 1990 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills
- Shelby Paint and Decorating – 1469 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills
- Rochester Hills Public Library – 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester
- Auburn Hills Public Library – 3400 E. Seyburn Dr., Auburn Hills
- Werner’s Hallmark – 4866 N. Adams Road, Oakland Township
- Flagstar Bank – 2744 S. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills
- Neighborhood House’s administrative office – 1234 Inglewood, Rochester
As always, Neighborhood House staff and volunteers would like to thank all the members of the community who make a difference in the lives of local children in need. Donations are needed by Wednesday, August 5. Please call Neighborhood House at (248) 651-5836 for additional information.
About Sarah Hovis