Back to school donations sought

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — With only a few weeks to go before school starts again, the township’s public assistance office is once against sponsoring a "Put a Pack on Every Back" program.

According to a press release, while some children will begin the school year with new clothes, new books and new school supplies, some children may not be as fortunate and may face the new school year unprepared.

The "Put a Pack on Every Back" program accepts only new items such as clothing, gym shoes, school supplies, backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, rulers, glue, crayons, erasers and markers from area residents.

These items are given to children whose parents cannot afford to provide the necessary items on the first day of school.

"This has been a very successful program," said RoseAnn Polo, director of welfare and coordinator of the program. "Last year, 81 backpacks were collected and distributed to Freehold Borough and Freehold Township schools."

Organizers of the school supply drive said no cash donations are accepted. However, store gift certificates will be accepted.

Items may be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the municipal complex, corner of Schanck and Still-wells Corrner roads, and the public assistance office in the construction building at the municipal plaza. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., items may be dropped off at the Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mills Road.