School supply drive aids students in Ansonia, Derby

School supplies were delivered to six Valley schools before the first day. Pictured from left outside John C. Mead Elementary School in Ansonia are Paul Moskal, custodian, John Belton, James H. Wilkins Lodge, and Surether Belton, Past Matron, Sheba Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Star. / Contributed photo

The back to school supply drive project started in 2004 by Gregory Gatison of James H. Wilkins Lodge and Sheba Chapter #1 Prince Hall Masons of Ansonia.

Gatison said the goal is to supply students at Mead, John G. Prendergast School and Ansonia Middle School and Derby Middle School, Bradley and Irving Schools in Derby with back to school supplies.

Donations are solicited from the fraternity, friends and the community.
Major community sponsors include Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Staples Office Supply in Stratford and Jenkins-King Funeral Home in Ansonia.

Assisting Gatison with this year's school supply deliveries were Bill McLean, Clarence Beall, Jim Hodge, John Belton, and Surether Belton.


This is taken from a press release.