Princeton’s Back To School Supplies Drive Benefits Over 268 Students

PRINCETON, NJ – Recently the Princeton Human Services hosted the 14th annual school supplies drive. Municipal employees, Princeton University, local businesses, organizations, and residents donated backpacks and school supplies to students in need as the 2023-24 school year is all set to begin.

This year, Princeton Human Services provided over 268 students with supplies.

The items were distributed to Princeton Public School children entering kindergarten through sixth grade from low-income families. Extra backpacks and supplies given to students in need entering higher grades.

“Our 14th Annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive was a huge success this year, thanks to the many donors who contributed,” Department of Human Services Director Rhodalynn Jones said.

Jones said the supplies drive was a community effort and it was great to see people come together to ensure local students have adequate supplies before they start a new school year.

“Human Services has been coordinating this drive for over a decade and it wouldn't be possible without the support of all our donors and volunteers that help during supplies distribution including our staff; Kimberly Figueroa-Martinez, Sindy Sandoval, Lailiana Azcuidiaz, Summer Youth Employment Program staff; Kelton Gibbs, Joshua Raymond, Fredy Donis, and Brian Donis,” Jones said.

Princeton Human Services thanked municipal employees, the Human Services Commission, Princeton residents who made individual donations, Mayor Mark Freda, Princeton Council, Princeton University, W.B. Mason, Acendis Pharma, and the Princeton Police Department for their contributions and support.

“We look forward to continuing the Backpack and School Supplies Drive next year and providing this service to Princeton families in need,” Jones said.

For more information about Princeton Human Services programs and drives including the Holiday Gift Drive, visit https://www.princetonnj.gov/583/Programs-Drives.

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