Two groups seeking school supplies to fill backpacks

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Individuals and groups alike are looking ahead to the next school year with much anticipation and ideas about how to support local students. Two groups are planning school supply give-aways in August to ensure that students begin the new school year well-equipped with supplies. They invite residents to join their cause by donating supplies to fill backpacks.

Girl Power Inc.
On Saturday, Aug. 6, Girl Power Inc., under the leadership of JCHS Class of 2008 graduate Zanquisha Jones, will be presenting its fourth Backpack Kickback event from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Jefferson County Recreation Park, with fun activities, refreshments, backpacks of supplies and other give-aways. Anyone wishing to donate school supplies to fill student backpacks can contact Jones at girlpowerinc@yahoo.com or (561) 654-5537.

United Force of Jefferson County
On Saturday, Aug. 13, United Force of Jefferson County will be hosting its 2nd Annual Back-to-School Refill Your Backpacks Community Event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Recreation Park.
Jefferson County Community Friends Vice President Jamia Bradley invites businesses, organizations and individuals in the community to participate in this event by donating school supplies from the list below. Bradley encourages donors to purchase enough of an item for at least 50 kids, if possible. Monetary donations also will be appreciated.
United Force of Jefferson County has set a deadline of Saturday, July 31, for all donations of school supplies or funds. Donations for the Back-to-School Refill Your Backpacks Community Event may be dropped off at Creative Moment Learning Center, located at 535 N. Wirick St. in Monticello, or contact Greg Cumming at (850) 510-7418 or Jamia Bradley at (850) 242-1560 for pick-up. Here is the supply list:

In addition, any organization that would be willing to provide resource services in health and wellness, finances, legal services or anything else that could empower our families during the Back-to-School Refill Your Backpacks Community Event, can send the organization's contact name and information (email and phone) to unitedforceofjeffersoncounty@gmail.com or call Jamia Bradley at (850) 242-1560.