Back to school supplies sought, distributed

CHENEY – Students may be returning to school in name only this fall, but they still need supplies.

Cheney schools are slated to resume online instruction Sept. 8, and several organizations are attempting to provide backpacks filled with much needed supplies such as paper, pens, binders, calculators and USB flash drives.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is holding a “Back 2 School Community Event” this Sunday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Sutton Park. Backpacks with school supplies will be distributed along with shoes, makeup, hygiene kits and much more.

The distribution is by appointment only. As of press time Tuesday, Aug. 11, only 50 of 300 appointment slots remained.

Sign up for the appointments can be done on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Some supplies are still needed, and a list of those is also on the department’s page.

Cheney Outreach has traditionally put together a backpack distribution program and this year won’t be an exception. The organization is asking for new or unused supplies, which can be provided individually or stuffed into a backpack.

A supply list is available at the Cheney School District’s website. Donations can be dropped off at the Outreach location at 616 3rd St. on Mondays between 4 – 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Checks to help with purchasing supplies are also appreciated, and can be mailed to Cheney Outreach, P.O. Box 444, Cheney WA 99004. Checks should be made out to “Cheney Outreach Center.”

Sign-ups to receive backpacks from Outreach are taking place now through Aug. 24.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].