Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

COLUMBUS—Thermal Belt Outreach is celebrating 25 years of the School Supplies Program, an initiative designed to ensure that all Polk County students have the necessary tools for academic success. This year, the program features a new twist: a concerted effort to support both students and teachers across the county.

“We are excited to share that we’re working closely with Polk County Schools to not only provide new school supplies and backpacks for students but also to directly supply teachers with essential classroom materials,” said Margot Carter, Executive Director of Thermal Belt Outreach. 

In 2024, the organization successfully served 428 students, distributing new backpacks and supplies tailored to their grade level. Additionally, 247 teachers received “Welcome Back Teacher Supplies Packs,” which included essential items such as tissues, disinfectant wipes, and writing supplies.

This year, Outreach is taking an active role in consulting directly with Polk County Schools to determine the most-needed classroom supplies by grade level. This collaboration aims to ensure that teachers receive practical and relevant supplies that will enhance their students’ learning experiences.

The organization is now seeking donations of new school supplies to benefit local students and teachers. The list of most-needed items includes:

• Backpacks (character backpacks for younger students and larger ones for older students)
• #2 pencils and mechanical pencils
• Large pink erasers
• Zipper pencil pouches and plastic pencil boxes
• Crayons, colored markers, and colored pencils
• Dry erase markers, pens, and highlighters
• Composition notebooks (both college and wide ruled)
• Tab dividers and pocket folders
• Binders (1″, 1-1/2″, and 2″)
• Safety scissors and index cards

Outreach will accept school supply donations, backpack contributions, and monetary gifts throughout the entire month of July. Donations can be dropped off at Outreach, located at 134 White Drive.

Program participants interested in signing up for the School Supplies Program can register by visiting the Outreach website, calling, or stopping by the Outreach center. School Supplies Distribution is scheduled for the first two weeks of August.

For more information visit tboutreach.org/school-supplies-program.