PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Burlington County is making sure when students return to classroom this fall, they have plenty of school supplies.
The Burlington County Board of Commissioners and New Jersey Democratic State Senators Troy Singleton and Dawn Marie Addiego are collecting school supply donations now through August.
The county's drive for new school supplies and other back-to-school-items is meant to fill the needs for students of all ages. Now through August 20, you can drop off pencils, pens, backpacks and other school supplies at the senators Addiego and Singleton’s offices in Medford and Moorestown, and all Burlington County buildings and libraries.
"We're looking for pencils, pens, composition books, backpacks," said Addieago.
"If we are asking children to practice their handwriting, but they don't have paper and pencil, then they are already at a disadvantage."
Addiego expects there will be an increase in the need for these supplies, since many families are having a hard time getting back on track.
"In light of the post-pandemic readjustment that has been happening, it's especially important because of the toll of the past year that has taken on families," she said.
"This is specifically for families in need. It's especially important because of the toll the past year has taken on families."
From erasers, small hand sanitizers to lunch boxes, these essential school items will go a long way, Addiego believes.
"When you're buying your school supplies this year I would ask you to consider picking up a few extras to donate to those families," she said.
"I want people to understand that they may not realize it, but a person or a family in need could be their next door neighbor or someone down the street.”