LOCAL

Tools for School already planning ahead for back-to-school season

FROM NEWS REPORTS

MUNCIE, Ind. — While students, parents and schools are just about to start summer break, organizers of an annual school supply giveaway are already gearing up for the start of the next school year.

A kickoff lunch fundraiser on May 19 at Amazing Joe's raised $26,200 for Tools for School, restaurant owner Mike Robinson said. More than 750 lunches were sold to raise the funds. 

Diners and sponsors contributed to the fundraiser, as did the restaurant's servers, who donated their tips, which equaled $500. Amazing Joe's has raised funds for Tools for School for 10 years. 

Center Township Trustee Kay Walker worked with Chad Massoth, managing partner of Amazing Joe's, to organize and hold the fundraiser. 

Hearts and Hands United of Delaware County organizes the Tools for School giveaway each year, providing hundreds of local students with free backpacks, school supplies, shoes and other school necessities at an event at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, 

In 2019, the National Retail Federation reported that, on average, families with children in elementary school through high school planned to spend about $696 before sending students back to class. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, that average increased in 2020 to $789.

This year's Tools for School giveaway is scheduled for Aug. 6 at the fairgrounds, according to Walker.

Backpacks, schools supplies, shoes and jeans were handed out free to Delaware County students during the 2021 Tools for School event Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. The annual event is organized by Hearts & Hands United of Delaware County.

Boxes where people can donate school supplies will be set out around the area this summer, but in the meantime any donations can be dropped off at the Center Township trustee's office, 1200 E. Main St. Muncie. Anyone who wants to donate money for the program can mail a check to Hearts and Hands United, P.O. Box 969, Muncie, Ind. 47308.

To volunteer to help with the giveaway or for more information, call the Center Township trustee's office, 765-288-8876.

Hearts and Hands United announced this past October it would not longer organize the Coats Against the Cold giveaway it had done in the past, in order to focus its efforts on Tools for School.

YMCA of Muncie exceeds annual campaign goal

MUNCIE — The YMCA of Muncie exceeded its annual campaign fundraising goal to provide access to programs and opportunities to all in the community.

Campaign Co-Chairs Mark Foerster and Chris Walker, along with 70 volunteers, began a grassroots campaign in February that eventually raised more than $173,000, according to a release.

The annual campaign is the YMCA’s fundraising effort to provide financial assistance and remove barriers for participation in YMCA programs such LiveSTRONG @ the YMCA, a cancer survivorship program, outdoor education at Camp Crosley and nature preschool and early childhood education at Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center. Additionally, it aids in the Y’s anti-hunger efforts, such as providing free Grab and Go meals, including three snacks and three suppers, to children ages 18 and younger 3:30-5 p.m. each Friday at the Downtown YMCA. 

For information on the annual campaign or financial assistance at the YMCA, visit muncieymca.org.

Related: YMCA offers summer membership with Tuhey Pool access

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