7th annual book bag drive slated for Valley children

Plan in the works for back to school

Pictured from left are Frank Yaworowski, President, Shelton Community Lions Club; Jennifer Sneider, Owner, J Cuts; Jennifer DeLeon, Boys & Girls Club of the LNV and Scharletta Samuel, T.E.A.M., Inc. of Derby, at J Cuts in Shelton last summer. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - When it comes to children in need, the Valley never lets them down. 

For a seventh consecutive year, the Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive has begun.

Between now and Aug. 30, book bags and school supplies are being collected around the Valley.

 Last year, more than 110 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected.

This drive, originally started by the owners of Luther's Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, located at 505 Howe Ave.

J Cuts is the main collection location. Supplies may include book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders. Supplies are collected for all school-aged children from preschool to high school. 

All book bags and supplies must be new.

"The outpouring of kindness within the community always warms my heart," Sneider said. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on. It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need.”

Other collection locations include Minuteman Press, 427B Howe Ave., and Haynes Materials locations in Seymour and Oxford. Minuteman Press is also donating collection posters.

For a third year in a row, Dave Haddad of the Shelton Lions Club, is leading his organization in a weekly collection.  Book bags and supplies can be donated during free summer concerts held Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. on the Huntington Green.

 

Children who benefited from this community effort last year included those serviced by T.E.A.M., Inc. of Derby and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Shelton and Ansonia. 

Monkey Love

J Cuts is also the main collection location for the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. 

The eighth Annual Drive will begin Jan. 1, 2014.

The monkey drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive.

For information on either drive call Jennifer Sneider at J Cuts, 203-924-4107.

This post is taken from a press release.