Friday, July 17, 2009
Supplies in demand
The Roanoke Rescue Mission plans to increase its efforts for the annual Back to School Blast.
The Roanoke Times | File 2008
Angel Watson was one of about 500 students who received school supplies at last year's Back to School Blast in Roanoke. This year, organizers are planning to serve 750 needy children.
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An organizer of the third annual Back to School Blast said that with more students in need, the Roanoke Rescue Mission plans to increase its free school supplies and volunteers this year.
"It's gotten larger as far as the number of children coming to us for help," said Lee Clark, the mission's director of development.
For the third year, the Rescue Mission's Back to School Blast will get school supply lists from area schools to put together backpacks full of supplies for low-income children. Supplies are donated by locals, while volunteers are recruited to organize them as they arrive. Clark said supplies are already being accepted and will be sorted according to grade level beginning Aug. 7.
Clark said while the 2008 event served 500 children, the organization is planning for 750 at this year's event on Aug. 17.
The Back to School Blast also will offer free haircuts, health screenings and entertainment, all of which rely on volunteer labor. Last year, Clark said there were between 75 and 100 volunteers.
Clark urged those in need to show up on time to take advantage of this opportunity.
"We give out supplies as long as they last," he said.
Preregistration will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 3 to 7 at the Rescue Mission Thrift Store at 421 Fourth St. S.E. The Back to School Blast is at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 in the parking lot of the New Beginnings Pentecostal Church, 612 Bullitt Ave. S.E. To preregister or attend the event, a parent must be present.
In the meantime, Clark said donations are being accepted in the lobby of the Rescue Mission every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The deadline for donations is Aug. 8.
While supplies such as markers, index cards and blank CDs are needed, Clark stressed a greater need for items such as graph paper, calculators and three-ring binders.
Those interested in volunteering their time should contact Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Little at 777-7651 or leslie@rescuemission.net.
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