Editor, The United Way office is coordinating a communitywide school uniform and school-supplies drive. Liberty County educators have voiced an overwhelming need for this resource.
Countless children arrive at school on the first day not in uniform simply because their families had to choose between food and utilities or clothes.
In an effort to assist our educators — who already do so much for the children in this community — we feel deeply compelled to make this project a success. We will accept donations of gently used (no large stains or holes, please) and new school uniforms as well as school supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, scissors, rulers, colored pencils, large three-ring binders, markers and book bags).
The United Way is asking local businesses to help by placing collection boxes in high-traffic areas of their buildings. When the boxes are full, simply call our office at 368-4262 or 977-4864 and we will pick them up.
Once we organize all of the donated items, all Liberty County schools and social workers will have access to our uniform clothing and school-supply room beginning in mid-July. Our goal is to make this resource available throughout the year, meaning whatever we do not give away in July and August, we keep to assist our local schools with emergent needs throughout the year.
We would like to have all of the drop boxes in place by Friday, May 13. The United Way would greatly appreciate the community’s support in this effort to reach out to families and children in need here in Liberty County. To participate, simply email liberty@uwce.org to let us know how many boxes you will need for your organization. Thank you in advance for making a difference in the lives of our youngest citizens here in Liberty County.

Jennifer Darsey, executive director
United Way of the Coastal Empire, Liberty