Children's Aid Collecting School Supplies for Local Children

By Sarah Miller, Calvert County Times

HOLLYWOOD, Md.—Although recently ranked as one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, roughly 23 percent of Calvert County’s public school students qualified for the free or reduced lunch program last school year. In five districts, 38 percent or more of the school’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch. “Although these percentages are lower than our neighboring counties, I think many county residents would be surprised to learn these statistics,” said Children’s Aid, Inc. Executive Director Krista Brezina.

Children’s Aid, Inc.’s Operation Backpack provides Calvert County children in need with a backpack filled with new school supplies and a new, age-appropriate book.

The biggest needs right now are for composition books, pencils, 24 count packs of Crayola crayons, and glue sticks. All donations should be new and unopened, Brezina said.

To date, 418 Calvert County students have received school supplies through the Operation Backpack Program. This year, more than 175 local children will receive school supplies they need to succeed in the new school year. So far, there are 101 elementary school, 38 middle school, and 34 high school students registered to receive supplies and Brezina anticipated the numbers will rise by the beginning of the school year.

School supply donations with be accepted through Aug. 14, at the Office Depot in Prince Frederick and World Gym locations in Lusby, Owings and Prince Frederick. Volunteers are needed for backpack packing and distribution on Saturday, Aug. 22, Brezina said.

For more information, call 443-684-6647, e-mail Kbrezina@TheChidrensAid. org, or visit www.TheChildrensAid.org.