Back-to-School Supply Drive Under Way at Cobblestone Theaters

Urbandale residents can help families struggling to outfit their kids with clothing and school supplies by donating to the Expendables 2 Clothing and School Supply Drive.

has teamed up with the Urbandale Community Action Network and the Urbandale Caring Corps for opening week of The Expendables 2. Bring a gently used clothing items or a new school supply item to the theater through Aug. 25 and receive a free Mini poster or movie pin while supplies last.

All donated items will go to help local families get the tools they need for the school year, said JoAnna Scott with Carmike Cinemas.

"When the film companies announce large promotions for films, I brainstorm on ways to help us give back to the community," Scott said. "In the past, we have run food drives and blood drives with great success, and with the opening of The Expendables 2, it made good sense to incorporate the back to school drive. The timing was perfect."

Items can be dropped off any time the theater is open, which is about 15 minutes prior to the first showtime of the day to 15 minutes after the last movie has started, Scott said.

"Obviously, children’s clothes are always in high demand, but all donations will be greatly appreciated," Scott said. "We are accepting gently used and new clothes. With Iowa winters, I imagine coats, snow pants and boots are going to be the most sought-after items."

Classes in the Urbandale school district started Aug. 20.

All school supplies are needed, she said.

"From what I have seen from observing classrooms, flash drives and ear buds seem to be items that there is never enough of," Scott said.

Scott and the theater's staff will sort donations and get them to UCAN the week of Aug. 28. Clothing will be going to the Urbandale Clothes Closet. UCAN and the Urbandale Caring Corps will distribute school supplies based on need to the local schools.

To request assistance, people can contact UCAN directly via its website www.urbandalenetwork.org/caring-corps/ or call (515) 278-3999. They are located inside the Lions Park Shelter, between and .