Back to school drive donations needed before September 1

The Vilas County Public Health Department (VCPH) is accepting donations of school supplies and personal items for its Back to School Drive to benefit area youth.
According to the department, one in five children is unable to afford the supplies requested for the school year.

“The drive is designed to provide needed school and personal supplies for children,” said Dominica Hedberg, assistant VCPH officer. “This program is important for families who may struggle with the cost of providing these items.”

Requested school supplies include backpacks, paper, notebooks, markers, highlighters, pencils, pens, crayons, folders, binders, and glue sticks.

Personal care items are also needed, such as hand sanitizer, bar and liquid soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, shampoo and conditioner, tissues, and deodorant.

“Providing these supplies will help ensure that every student gets off to a good start for the school year,” said Carolyn Ritter, VCPH board chair. “A new school year is a new beginning for kids, and we want to help ensure a good start for them.”

Donations may be dropped off at the VCPH office in the Vilas County Courthouse (330 Court St.) or at the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library (203 N. Main St.) in Eagle River. All donations must be received by Sept. 1. Supplies will be distributed evenly among county schools at the start of the school year.

For more information, contact VCPH at 715-479-3656.