Summer break for students in Montgomery County is quickly coming to an end. To help parents prepare their children for the new school year, the Montgomery County Fatherhood Initiative and Office of Reentry are providing free backpacks and school supplies to 200 students.
The drive-up event is at the Job Center at 1111 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd. from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. Registration is required.
"One of the greatest tools to address poverty is education," said Commission President Debbie Lieberman. "School supplies could be the gateway to a great school year and bright future for many children."
The Fatherhood Initiative believes having the necessary supplies can prevent students from feeling left out and losing focus, and being prepared keeps them motivated. The same can be said for parents.
"We want the students of Montgomery County to be excited about school, and we want their parents to feel the same," said Michael Newsom, Director of the Fatherhood Initiative. "For those who struggle to buy school supplies for their kids, the new school year can be stressful."
This event helps relieve some of the classroom costs parents have to pick up and provides them with guides on how to help their children excel in school, along with health care and employment information.
Parents can register their children online at bit.ly/mcschoolsupplies2023. Each child will get one backpack, with a three-backpack limit per vehicle.
The Fatherhood Initiative connects dads with resources to help their children thrive. This support includes employment services, visitation help, license reinstatement, and in coordination with the Office of Reentry, tools to help returning citizens succeed and repair relationships with their children and families. For more information on the Fatherhood Initiative and Office of Reentry, visit mcohio.org.