Donation Drive Next Week Aids Income-Eligible Students

With a new academic year gearing up, a community non-profit organization is beginning a back-to-school collection drive to assist low-income families with students’ supplies.

One of seven outreach units operated in Summit County by the Akron-based Good Neighbors, provides services to more than 1,000 families in Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson and Peninsula.

Unit Chairperson Kim Gaug estimates close to 70 percent of the families assisted live in Cuyahoga Falls.

The back-to-school collection drive will take place next week at of Cuyahoga Falls, located at 2253 3rd St. From 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Aug. 8, 9 and 10, volunteers will accept donations of newly purchased, unused school supplies for area students. Normal hours for the center each week are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"We can use all, new school-supply items, but what we always run out of is: loose-leaf paper, 8-1/2 by 11 inches, both wide rule and college rule; glue and glue sticks; round-tip safety scissors; and, backpacks or book bags," Gaug said.

Those interested in volunteering to collect drop-off donations during the back-to-school drive as well as those bringing items to donate to the drive are requested to use the church entrance off Stow Avenue, she said.

Families who receive assistance from Good Neighbors meet income-eligibility requirements determined by federal guidelines and must be referred to the organization by a social-services agency, school, church or physician.

In July, Cuyahoga Falls Good Neighbors moved from its former location of three years at 1901 Searl St. and reopened Aug. 2 at First Christian Church until a suitable facility becomes available.

A task force comprising members of nearby churches is leading the Good Neighbor unit’s search for a new home, in an approximately 2,200 to 3,000 sq.-ft. facility, located on a bus route, which is accessible to those with disabilities and includes parking.

Gaug said she is thankful to members of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire department, who volunteered to help with the move last month from Searl Street to the current site.

"We had about 10 of them who were off duty and showed up that morning to do all the heavy lifting. Whenever we need help all I do is ask them and they are there.

This city can be very proud of these men because they go above and beyond the call of duty," she said.

Don Smith, a member of , has volunteered with Good Neighbors for several years.

"I know the community has been very supportive. The people really seem to need it; we screen them very carefully. They’re very happy we’re there to serve them and can use the help. This year it has picked up quite a bit," Smith said.

For more information, call 330-928-8057 or visit the Good Neighbors website.