County Collecting School Supplies

The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women (SCCSW) has launched its annual “Project First Class” school-supplies collection.  Children of families served by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County will benefit from the donations.

Although any types of school supplies will be welcome, the children are most in need of backpacks—even gently used ones—as well as new notebooks, three-ring binders, paper, highlighters, markers, pens, pencils and crayons.

Donations may be dropped off to the Somerset County Freeholders’ Office on the third floor of the county administration building at 20 Grove St., Somerville, now through Aug. 24.  The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck off East High Street.

“This is a chance to help kids start the new school year right,” said Freeholder Mark Caliguire, commission liaison.  “Many families are struggling to meet basic needs, and school supplies may be out of reach for them financially.”

The SCCSW serves as an advisory board to the Board of Chosen Freeholders to address present and potential needs of women and to develop a greater public awareness of women’s issues.

Project First Class co-chairs are Commission members Jane O’Donnell and Kacey Dyer.  For more information, contact Jane O’Donnell at (908) 234-9302.