The annual effort kicked off in 2011 thanks in part to the work of an Elon alum serving with the armed forces in Afghanistan.
For a seventh year, the Elon University community is responding to the needs of Alamance County students by gathering school supplies and personal hygiene items for donation.
The annual school supplies drive by Elon faculty and staff is underway, with collection of items such as new backpacks, bookbags, school supplies and personal care items to continue through Aug. 25.
The annual drive began in 2011 as the Elon community responded to an initiative to gather basical educational supplies for young children in Afghanistan that was launched by James Black ’09, then serving in the armed forces in that country. That collection effort sparked the idea for a drive to meet the needs of Alamance Burlington School System students that face the challenge of being properly equipped for the school year.
How great is the need? At the end of the 2016-17 school year, nearly 60 percent of students in the 36 Alamance Burlington School System schools were eligible for free and reduced meals. The ABSS Student Support Services team identified more than 600 students who are lacking a permanent nighttime residence or are what many people term as “homeless”.
We invite you to bring your new book bags and supplies to the Opening Reception, President’s Address, and Community picnic on Monday, Aug. 21. Student leaders will be there to collect them from 8 to 10 a.m. Collection boxes are placed at locations around campus until 4 p.m. on Aug. 24. or we will come to your office for personal pick-up, or feel free to call ext. 7200 by noon on Aug. 25 to arrange a pick-up.
Law School faculty and staff members who wish to participate may drop off items in the Student Services Suite and we will pick up on Aug. 25.
What’s needed? Here’s a list of school supplies in highest demand, though all school supplies are welcomed and appreciated:
- Book Bags (particularly for middle and high school students)
- 3-Ring Binders (1.5 in., 2 in., 2.5 in, and 3 in.)
- Notebook Paper (wide-ruled and college-ruled)
- Composition Notebooks (marble notebooks preferred over spiral bound)
- Pocket Folders (with prongs or without)
- Colored pencils
- Washable markers
- Glue sticks
- Pencil pouches
- Tab dividers
- Index cards
- Flash drives (4 gb +)
Personal hygiene items needed include:
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Combs, brushes
- Body wash
- Deodorant
Student and staff volunteers will separate and pack the supplies on Aug. 27 and the supplies will be delivered to the school system on Aug. 28.
Drop off boxes are located at:
- Moseley Campus Center Information Desk
- Koury Field House (Athletics) – at reception desk
- The Ellington Center for Health and Wellness (Dean of Students Office)
- The Francis Center Main Lobby
- Alamance Rotunda (near room 109)
- Lindner Hall (Outside Dean’s Suite, Room 104)
- Campus Shop (Elon Town Center)
- Campus Safety and Police (Oaks)
- Koury Business Center Lobby
- Law School Deans Suite (Room 110-D)