The annual back-to-school shopping tradition has arrived as the final summer month comes to an end. But each year there are children whose families may not have the resources to adequately equip them for the start of the new school year. 
In response to this need, the Sisters Together organization will hold its second annual “Back-to-School Get Together” school supply giveaway Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 3 p.m. (or until all the supplies are gone) at the Urban League Family Resource Center at 30th and Lake Sts.
Even though the more popular KETV 7 Can Help/Salvation Army school supply drive is expected to serve 5,000 children this year, last year’s Sisters Together distribution established that there are still hundreds of school children without access to materials.
“Our program is something that is needed in the community,” said Mary Hill, founder and director of Sisters Together. “Last year we served 112 students and had to turn away more than 100 children because we ran out of supplies.”
In fact the demand for supplies was so surprising — with more than 50 people lined up hours before the doors opened — the organization will require a valid school class schedule for each child requesting supplies. There will be no prior registration. The materials will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Donate and receive a free ice cream sundae
This year, the NHS Food and Nutrition department is offering a sweet incentive to donate supplies — ice cream sundaes. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Clarkson Cafe, anyone who brings a donation will receive a free ice cream sundae. In addition, the campus department or off-campus clinic that contributes the largest combined donation during the drive, will receive a free ice cream station with all the
toppings for their staff on a day of their choice.
Supplies needed
Receipts for tax deductions will be given upon request. Cash donations will be accepted. The following school supplies are requested: binders, antiseptic soap, book bags, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, facial tissues, markers, notebook filler paper, paper paste, pens, pen boxes, pencils, pencils sharpeners, rulers and safety scissors.
Drop-off dates/sites
In addition to the drop off at the Clarkson Cafe Tuesday, Aug. 13, there will be drop-off tables outside the Clarkson Cafe and in the corridor outside the Nebraska Cafe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 16, and Monday, Aug. 19.
There will be a drop-off table from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, outside the Nebraska Cafe only. Members of the NHS/UNMC Employee Diversity Network will host the drop-off tables.
More on Sisters Together
Sisters Together is an organization committed to creating healthy lifestyles in the North Omaha community. The organization works with local businesses, recreational centers, churches and community groups to support a host of activities that in just three years now include a walking club, exercise group, quilting guild, healthy eating club that published it’s own cookbook, and the annual Mother’s Day of Wellness Health Fair.
More information?
For more information about the Back-to-School Get Together school supply drive, contact Walter Brooks at 559-5768, Cindy Mitchell at 559-9660 or Cindy Van Riper at 559-5740.