It may be the middle of summer, but the new school year is right around the corner.
Jackson County United Way wants to make sure every student has everything they need for a successful year.
That’s why the organization, in partnership with German American Bank, is gearing up for its seventh annual Rock’n Ready school supply drive.
Registration is open to any student in Jackson County regardless of income and may be made by calling 211 or 812-375-2216. Families in Medora should call 812-966-2201 to register. The last day to register is July 12.
Students at public and private schools throughout Jackson County are eligible for supplies.
Last year, the event led to the donation of $16,000 in school supplies to 788 students in Jackson County, said Bonita Dobbs, program manager for Jackson County United Way and organizer for Rock’n Ready.
She said volunteers would like to serve even more students this year.
"We served the 788 last year, but it would be great if we got to help 1,000 students," she said. "We just hope for more to make sure every child in Jackson County has what they need."
The event provides a backpack full of pencils, erasers, markers, folders, paper and more to students. Children and their families are invited to distribution days where they are able to select their own supplies.
The leftover items from distribution days are divided among schools in the county so students and teachers can have supplies when they need them throughout the year.
"Backpacks break, pencils break and dry erase makers dry up, so we provide what we do have left to the schools," Dobbs said. "We know the schools have needs throughout the year."
Dobbs said there are a number of ways to support the effort to provide the supplies.
Donors can make monetary donations, buy specific supplies or register for the Rock’n Ready 5K Run and Walk.
Monetary donations should be made to Jackson County United Way, 113 N. Chestnut St., Suite 301, Seymour, IN 47274. If paying by check, donors should write "Rock’n Ready" in the memo line so the organization knows the donation goes into that fund.
Dobbs said the committee has spoken with administrators and teachers about specific needs for each grade, so they encourage those willing to donate to bring items to donation sites.
The Rock’n Ready 5K is organized by Indiana Timing and will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 2. Registration can be completed online or an hour before the race. The race begins at Seymour High School and ends at The Brooklyn Pizza Co., where local band Paradigm will play from 7 to 9 p.m.
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Rock’n Ready school supply distribution days
Brownstown: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 at Brownstown Central Middle School, 520 W. Walnut St. Register through 211 or 812-375-2216. Those preregistered will receive a postcard in the mail with a time to pick up items. Those who do not register can pick up supplies on a first-come, first-served basis from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Medora: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Medora Community Schools, 82 S. George St. Register through the school by calling 812-966-2201.
Seymour: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the commons at Seymour High School, 1350 W. Second St. Register through 211 or 812-375-2216. Those preregistered will receive a postcard in the mail with a time to pick up items. Those who do not register can pick up supplies on a first-come, first-served basis from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
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If you have any questions about Rock’n Ready, call Jackson County United Way at 812-522-5450.
How you can help:
- Make donations at Jackson County United Way, 113 N. Chestnut St., Suite 301, Seymour. Write "Rock’n Ready" in the memo line if donating by check.
- Register for the Rock’n Ready 5K Run and Walk, set for 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Seymour High School, 1350 W. Second St. The race ends with a party at The Brooklyn Pizza Co., 753 W. Second St., where Paradigm will play from 7 to 9 p.m. Funds from the race go toward supplies for 2020. Register online at signmeup.com/reg/form/131085/registration.
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