Rescue Mission holds Back-to-School Drive

Date: 8/8/2011

SPRINGFIELD — Each year the Springfield Rescue Mission has a Back to School Drive. Begun July 1, the mission asks individuals, businesses, and churches to reach out to needy elementary children by donating new backpacks and school supplies, which we in turn give out to those in need.

Last year the mission handed out more than 600 backpacks. This year the Back to School Program is seriously lacking in donations. The recent tornado disaster has steered away focus from the normal activities, but the mission is still sponsoring two public elementary schools in Springfield (200 students).

Organizers hope that the donations will come in to honor that commitment so the children can start the new school year fully and properly prepared for their classes.

School supplies should be dropped off at the Springfield Rescue Mission, 19 Bliss St. by Aug. 19.

New items are needed as follows: backpacks, glue-sticks, calculators, pencils, pens, pencil cases, highlighters, erasers, plastic rulers, markers, crayons, colored pencils, notebooks, spiral notepads, notebook paper, small memo pads, pocket folders and tissue packs.