FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — It is not too soon to think about children who will return to school in September without the proper supplies. RoseAnn Polo, the township’s director of welfare, is already preparing for that by calling on residents to contribute to the "Put a Pack on Every Back" program.
Polo initiated the program eight years ago because she saw a need in the community.
"Prior to 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.
"This program is so successful thanks to the generous contributions of our residents, community organizations and local businesses," Mayor Dorothy Avallone said. "Last year, 195 backpacks were distributed to Freehold Borough and Freehold Township schools."
Item are collected and backpacks are filled with school supplies and distributed to children in both school districts.
Only new items can be accepted. Needed are clothes, gym shoes, school supplies, backpacks, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, rulers, glue, crayons, erasers and markers. No cash donations are accepted, however, store gift certificates can be accepted.
Items will be collected until Aug. 31 and may be dropped off from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the municipal building; at the public assistance office in the lower level of the construction building at the municipal plaza; and at Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mills Road.