Published: July 28, 2009 11:49 pm      

'Tools for School' seeking volunteers, donations

GREENVILLE — ools for School is helping to relieve some of the stress associated with purchasing school supplies for many parents of Greenville elementary school students this year.

Plans have already been set into motion for the Sixth Annual Tools for School event August 15 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 6801 Wesley, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“It is first come, first serve,” said Threesa Sadler, volunteer for Tools for School. “We suggest getting there as early as possible.”

The goal for the 2009 Tools for School is to supply 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies to the economically disadvantaged, from kindergarten to the sixth grade, in any of the Greenville Independent School District elementary schools, Phoenix Charter School, Greenville Christian School or Mineral Heights Christian Academy.

First things first, though.

In order to ensure these kids get the schools supplies they so desperately need, Tools for School needs volunteers and donations of cash and school supplies.

“Right now we’re seeking volunteers for the day of the event, as well as the packing of the backpacks the Thursday before,” she said. “We’re also seeking donations of cash and supplies. It costs us about $20 to fill a backpack, which makes the donations we receive all the more vital.”

Donations can be sent or dropped off at Tools for School, 6801 Wesley, Greenville, 75402.

Volunteers will serve as guides for the event, will help those attending through the registration process and will even assist with parking.

“We usually require 150 to 200 volunteers for that day,” said Sadler. “That’s our main need right now, other than donations.”

As a special treat, Tools for School is also offering free haircuts to students — on a first come, first serve basis — along with an agency fair located in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

“It’s kind of like a one-stop shop for their fall sign-ups,” she said.



For more information on the event or to register to be a volunteer, call Threesa Sadler at 903-422-6112 or visit www.toolsforschool.net to register online as a volunteer.