School Supply Collection Drive To Help Somerset County Kids

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

08/04/2022 2:00 PM

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County’s Commission on the Status of Women is once again sponsoring Project First Class, the annual enterprise that collects donations of school supplies for children of families served by the Food Bank Network and other nonprofit organizations in Somerset County.

“The summer is winding down, and it’s time to turn our thoughts once again to the new school year and ensuring every student has the supplies they need to excel academically,” said Commissioner Sara Sooy, liaison to the Commission. “Sadly, many families don’t have the resources to fill a school backpack, and so we are asking those who do to pick up a few extra school supplies during their own back to school shopping and donate them to Project First Class.”

New school supplies such as notebooks, three-ring binders (1½ to 3 inches), pencil cases that fit inside of binders, paper, glue sticks, safety scissors, index cards, highlighters, markers, pens, pencils, crayons and new or gently-used backpacks will be accepted. Non-perishable and canned food will also be accepted.

“School can be a challenging environment, and every student should have the pens, binders, backpacks and other items they need to conquer those challenges,” said Sheriff Darrin J. Russo. “My officers and I are excited to once again collect and distribute these backpacks to ensure every student can thrive this year and into the future.”

Organizations, non-profits, religious institutions, and businesses are also encouraged to collect and donate school supplies and canned/non-perishable food during this time. All donations will be distributed by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to families and students who are in-need.

Donation Locations

Somerville: Donations can be dropped off on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 26, in the Project First Class box inside the front vestibule of the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St., Somerville.

Bound Brook: The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is also accepting Project First Class donations. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 7E Easy St., Bound Brook, NJ 08805. School supplies for Project First Class will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 26. Food donations can be made at any time.

Bridgewater: Somerset County Recycling is helping to support Project First Class by accepting donations at the upcoming First Saturday Drop-off events on Aug. 6 and Sept. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Somerset County Recycling Center, 40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater. Residents can take this opportunity to recycle their excess items and donate new school supplies to a worthy cause. https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/recycling/first-saturday-of-the-month

For more information, or to arrange another collection location at your organization or business, please contact the Somerset County Public Information Office at PublicInfo@co.somerset.nj.us.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.