DONATE: Local nonprofit begins collecting school supplies for July giveaway
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — For this local nonprofit, it’s better to get started early when it comes to collecting supplies for next school year. All About Fitness Family (AAF) is hoping to spread the word that it is collecting supplies for its second annual school supply giveaway.
AAF founder Dewayne Webb said he was inspired to start the drive last year because, ‘why not?’ He explained with so many kids in need of supplies in single-income households, there was no reason not to start collecting.
“It really excites us and it’s a really big help for the community,” Webb said.
Since opening last week, the school supply drive has seen few donations, but Webb hopes more support will come in.
With last year’s drive, AAF collected more than 500 notebooks, 500 packets of paper and a hundred backpacks.
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This year, they are looking to collect 1,000 notebooks, 1,000 packs of loose-leaf paper and 250 backpacks.
AAF hopes to secure enough supplies so that they can continue replenishing students’ items throughout the school year as-needed.
“Once school starts, you still need school supplies as the year progresses. So, what we’ve done this year is we’re encouraging people to continue to bring in school supplies [throughout the year],” Webb said.
He explained AAF plans to stockpile the supplies and give them to whichever students and teachers need them.
There are no restrictions on designs for notebooks which AAF is accepting, however Webb asked that backpacks be plain fabric or clear plastic and age-appropriate for elementary- and middle-school students.
Donation drop-off locations will be at the new AAF headquarters at St. Luke’s Military Ministry on 11th Street, Columbus Karate Academy International on Milgen Road and the Ranger Outreach Center on 2nd Avenue.
AAF will also accept donations at its Thursday 6:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. community fitness classes. All are held at the Lakebottom Park track near the bleachers by the bathrooms, except when there is inclement weather.
The supplies will be given away on July 27 at an RSVP-only event where students can collect supplies and get a free haircut or wash from Rivertown School of Beauty volunteers.
There is no cap on how many students can register. All Muscogee County elementary- and middle school-aged students are eligible.
The RSVP is meant for organizational purposes since the event had more than 500 total students and parents come out last year, said Webb.
Interested families may RSVP by email at aafitnessclubtrainer@gmail.com. RVSPs will be accepted by email only.
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