School supply drive underway
Jul. 25—Josh Elbert and Shane Cunningham are hoping to ease some of the looming back-to-school expense for struggling families at Jackson Elementary School.
The Medford State Farm agents will accept donations of school supplies through Aug. 25, during business hours, Monday through Friday, at their office, 820 Riverside Ave.
Elbert said the office chose Jackson Elementary because it has a higher percentage of low-income families than most other schools in the Medford School District, and also because he attended the school as a child. Cunningham has family members who attend the school, too.
"This is new for us this year. State Farm is giving us an opportunity to do a school supply drive. They gave us a list and got us started with backpacks," Elbert said, noting that he coaches volleyball for North Medford High.
"Even though, weatherwise, it feels like summer just started, when I look at my calendar, we're just weeks away from volleyball tryouts, and school will be starting before we know it," Elbert said.
Agency receptionist Holly Ray, a mom, said she was glad to see the office rounding up supplies for families in need.
"The price of everything is so high right now, from gas and housing to groceries. I honestly hope this will help ease the mind of some of those parents, even if it just takes one thing off their plates," Ray said.
Needed items include backpacks, pencil bags, pencils, colored pencils, black, red and blue pens, crayons, washable markers, pocket and brad folders, scissors, highlighters, erasers, glue and glue sticks, notebooks (wide-ruled) and filler paper.
For more information, call the office at 541-772-3040.
