To the Editor:
Englewood students need school supplies for the new term.
It's amazing how expensive basics for school can be - the costs really add up. Less fortunate children need our help so they can actually have the tools they need.
Colored pencils, loose-leaf notebook paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, and three-prong pocket folders are all needed.
Backpacks - plain, solid color, black preferred - are also in great demand. Schools no longer have lockers so students must carry everything in their backpacks all day. This added wear and tear on the backpacks creates a constant need for replacement.
The Kids' Needs closets, which supply these items to strapped students, are in pressing need of the basics. One of the first things families suffering tough times go without is underwear. Most of us don't think twice about this basic necessity, but a child without underwear and socks can be thrilled to receive new hipsters, boxer/briefs or low-cut, no-show socks.
Kids' Needs, a nonprofit group, works year-round to help keep children safe and in school. They collect new and nearly new school clothing and shoes, and new toiletries, underwear and school supplies. Donated items are distributed free to qualified boys and girls in grades K-12.
Boca Grande has donation boxes at St. Andrews Church, 390 Gilchrist Ave. and The Key Agency, 428 - 4th St. W.
Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Kids' Needs, 1201 S. McCall Road, Englewood, Florida 34223. Because Kids' Needs is an all-volunteer organization, about 98 percent of money collected goes directly to help the children. For more information, go to kidsneedsenglewood.org.
Nancy Buechler
Cape Haze
