Town running
annual drive to
fill backpacks
By linda denicola
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Before long, school will be starting. While stores are already stocked up on back to school supplies, many children come from families that can not afford the cost of school supplies and the backpacks that all children seem to carry these days.
But local children have a friend in RoseAnn Polo, director of welfare. Seven years ago, when she became aware of the problem, Polo initiated a program called "Put a Pack on Every Back."
"This is an opportunity for people to provide these essential items for a child whose family cannot," Polo said.
She explained that prior to the start of the school year, teachers send home a list of items each student is required to purchase.
"Unfortunately, for some families this can be difficult," she said.
According to Mayor Raymond Kershaw, the program is successful thanks to the generous contributions of residents, community organizations and local businesses.
"Last year, 185 backpacks were distributed to Freehold Borough and Freehold Township schools," he said.
Once again, the township is asking for donations of backpacks and other items that can go into the packs. Needed are clothes, gym shoes, school supplies, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, rulers, glue, crayons, erasers and markers. Cash donations are not requested, but store gift certificates will be accepted.
The items collected are included with the backpacks and distributed to the township and borough schools.
Items will be collected until Aug. 29 and may be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mill Road, and at the public assistance office in the lower level of the construction building, 1 Municipal Plaza, between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.