Donations of money, backpacks needed in Norman

JENNIFER GRISWOLD Comments 0
Published: July 8, 2009

NORMAN — United Way of Norman needs donations of money and backpacks so it can provide school supplies to low-

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To apply for help

Those interested in receiving school supplies should bring these items to CrossPointe Church, 2601 24th Ave. SE, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20-24:

• Current driver’s license or photo identification

• Proof of residence

• Proof of income, including jobs, child support and all other sources

• Social Security cards for every member of the family

All information is required to process an application.

income families.

The nonprofit agency will take applications this month for its annual ABC School Supply Program, which provides free school supplies to students in the Norman, Noble, Little Axe, Lexington and Robin Hill school districts.

The ABC program ensures students have the pencils, paper and crayons they’ll need to start the first day of school. Families must meet specific income guidelines to qualify.

United Way officials have reported a steady increase over the past several years of people needing school supplies for their children. More than 845 students received supplies through the program in 2008.

With the current economic situation, the agency expects more applications this year, but doesn’t know if it will be able to fulfill every request, said Emily Furney, program director.

United Way of Norman received $8,575 in grants from local foundations to purchase school supplies this year. That amount is about $7,000 less than received in 2008, she said.

The agency usually can supplement the program through its budget to make sure no qualifying family is turned away, but the nonprofit had to cut its budget this year because of a funding shortfall.

"This year is going to be a little more difficult than previous years, with the amount of funding that we have,” she said. "In the past, we have been able to help every single family that came to us for assistance, regardless of our budget. This year we are only able to spend the money that has been donated or granted to us for the program.”

Supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and the program will be shut down once the money is gone, officials said.

The organization will stretch its resources as far as possible by maintaining partnerships with local businesses that allow them to buy school supplies at discounted prices, Furney said. Students will be provided with the supplies they need for their specific classes.

Anyone interested in donating money or a backpack should call 364-3800. Checks should be mailed to: ABC School Supply Program, c/o United Way of Norman, 550 24th Ave. NW, Suite D, Norman, OK 73069.

All donations go directly to purchasing school supplies.