PORT ANGELES — To prepare for the first day of school Sept. 2, the Port Angeles School District will hold an event to hand out free supplies to low-income families.
The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School, 218 E. 12th St., will cater to the needs of kindergartners through eighth-graders, said Lisa Lyons of Parent Line Child Care Resources.
In addition to the pens, pencils, notebooks and other supplies that children will need, the event will also include a free barbecue for the families.
“[Families] should know who their teacher is when they come,” Lyons said.
“It would be helpful if they also had the [supply] list that they will need, but we will also have lists available there.”
The donations have poured in from nonprofits and companies around town, Lyons said.
And donations are still being accepted, she said.
“This is the fifth time [Parent Line] has done this,” said Lyons, “but it is the first time we have ever held a community-wide event.”
A school bus will be available for students to inspect, along with district representatives talking about how the bus routes work.
People can also receive help filling out free- and reduced-meal applications and state Department of Social and Health Services applications.
Information about the Olympic Community Action Programs — OlyCAP — dental program will also be available.
The Coast Guard will show a rescue boat, and other emergency response vehicles will be available for kids and families to view up close, Lyons said.
For more information about donating or attending, phone Lyons at 360-452-5437 or drop off supplies at any First Federal branch or the Port Angeles School District Central Services Building, 216 E. Fourth St.
Sponsors include Serenity House, Lutheran Community Services Parent Line, Port Angeles School District, Olympic Kiwanis, First Federal, Port Angeles Education Foundation, Soroptimist-Jet Set, Kiwanis of Port Angeles, Port Angeles Nor’wester Rotary, International Order of Odd Fellows, First Teacher, First Step Family Support Center, Westport Shipyard, Port Angeles Food Bank and other donors.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
