School supplies sought for county's "in need" students

Support for the county's young students is being sought from individuals and community groups.

Tools for School, coordinated by the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services, is looking for help to provide children in need with new school supplies.

The children served by the program are from families that receive services from the Social Services Department and are experiencing financial difficulties. About 600 children are expected to need this assistance at the start of the school year, according to Karen Sisco, coordinator of the program.

There are three ways to become involved:

Sponsor a child or children - Sponsors will be provided with the first name of a child, his or her school-supply list, and instructions on how to return the donations.

Donate gift cards - Purchase a $20 gift card from any store that sells school supplies and mail it to Chesterfield-Colonial Heights DSS, Attn: Karen Sisco, P.O. Box 430, Chesterfield, VA. 23832. Parents of students not sponsored receive the gift cards to buy school supplies.

Donate cash - Tools for School accepts contributions to buy gift cards for students not sponsored. Checks should be made payable to Chesterfield-Colonial Heights DSS. Please write "School Supplies" in the memo line of the check.

The deadline for contributions is Aug. 18. For more information, or to sponsor a child, please contact Sisco at 751-4398 or e-mail siscok@chesterfield.gov.