Registration for the sixth annual Rock’n Ready school supply drive has begun and will be available through July 13.
The program is open to students in Jackson County, kindergarten through 12th grade, and may be completed by calling 211 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those calling from a cellphone are asked to register by calling 812-376-6666.
Rock’n Ready is a collaboration of organizations that collect and distribute basic school supplies to give to local students so they have what they need on the first day of school.
While the program provides much-needed supplies, the purpose is designed to increase self-confidence on the first day of school.
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The program has grown throughout its six years and will now offer multiple distribution sites throughout Jackson County.
Distribution sessions will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28 at Brownstown Central Middle School; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 26 at Crothersville Community Schools; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28 at the Seymour High School commons; and 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 3 at Medora Community Schools.
Brownstown and Seymour families will receive a postcard with a time to pick up supplies prior to distribution after they register. Families are required to bring the card with them to the distribution.
Medora and Crothersville families are required to register for supplies but will not have an assigned time to pick up supplies.
Before this year, distribution was only available at Seymour High School.
“It is exciting to be able to reach out to more students who may not be able to attend the event in Seymour,” said Myra Mellencamp, who co-chairs the program with Julia Aker. It is the second year the two have co-chaired Rock’n Ready.
“In my 32 years at the library, this is my favorite community collaboration involving county schools,” said Aker, who is director of the Jackson County Public Library. “I’m excited to expand our distribution into Brownstown, Crothersville and Medora this year and look forward to seeing this continue to help the families who need it.”
Mellencamp said the program has provided a big boost to students and their families throughout the years.
“The Rock’n Ready program has enriched the lives of children in Jackson County for many years,” she said. “To see the excitement on the faces of kids as they pick out a backpack and fill it with school supplies is heart-warming.
“As those of us who volunteer hear ‘thank you’ over and over, we realize the importance of this program, especially when a parent confides that he or she wasn’t sure how school supplies will fit into the family’s budget,” she said.
Mellencamp said local organizations and volunteers help make the collection and distribution happen.
“The collaboration in our county that makes this happen is amazing,” she said.
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Parents or guardians may register children by calling 211 or 812-376-6666 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The last day to register is July 13.
For information on how you can be a part of the Rock’n Ready initiative, contact Bonita Dobbs at Jackson County United Way at 812-522-5450 or [email protected].
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After a confirmed registration, school supplies can be picked up at your designated distribution site.
Crothersville Community Schools: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 26.**
Seymour High School commons: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28.*
Brownstown Central Middle School: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28.*
Medora Community Schools: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 3.**
* Brownstown and Seymour families will receive a postcard with a time to pick up supplies prior to the distribution after they register. Families are required to bring the card with them to the distribution.
** Medora and Crothersville families are required to register for supplies but will not have an assigned time to pick up.
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