Mark your calendars because Jackson County United Way has begun its school supply collection this summer.
The 11th annual Rock’n Ready program opened its registration April 1 for students across Jackson County to receive free basic school supplies for the first day of school.
Registration will close Friday and can be found in both English and Spanish on United Way’s website, jacsy.org/rocknready.
In July 2013, United Way launched the first Rock’n Ready school supply distribution event supporting students with the school supplies they need to start the year ready to learn with the support and encouragement of then-Seymour-Redding Elementary School Principal Dylan Purlee.
That year, the program served more than 450 students with remaining supplies being distributed to all county schools for students in need.
“To receive supplies, students have to be enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade at any Jackson County school or homeschool. Last year, we served over 1,300 kids and expect even more this year,” said Emily Engelking, engagement director for Jackson County United Way.
To run a program of this size, donations of money and school supplies help JCUW serve students across the county. Last year, the program brought in close to $12,000. This year, Engelking hopes to raise $15,000.
“It’s a huge undertaking and requires a lot of people to work together. We have great sponsors that help out year after year, and for that, we’re really grateful. We couldn’t do half of what we do without their investment and people donating their time and supplies for the program,” Engelking said.
Edward Jones financial advisors in Jackson County are supporting the program by using their offices as drop-off locations for the school supply drive.
“As our world becomes more global, competition within our younger generations continues to rise, emphasizing the importance of a quality education,” said Tonja Couch, one of the financial advisors in Seymour.
Couch said Edward Jones is proud to support the academic development of young minds in this community through this program and Jackson County United Way.
“We’re asking community residents to donate school supplies or volunteer their time,” Couch said. “These donations can add value as one more student will be provided with the appropriate tools to begin or continue his or her learning and development.”
To help raise funds, the Rock’n Ready committee will be collaborating with The Brooklyn Pizza Co. for a music night benefiting the program, featuring bluegrass trio The Bourbon Britches. The concert will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Harmony Park, 753 W. Second St., Seymour.
Tickets will be $10 at the door, and donations of school supplies are welcome. JCUW will have tickets available for prize drawings, as well.
“We’re excited to be doing this for the first time this year. It’ll be a fun way for the community to come out, learn more about Rock’n Ready and listen to some good music,” Engelking said.
Rock’n Ready is still looking for sponsors to help them reach their goal. There are different levels of sponsorship with benefits at each level.
Interested businesses can reach out to Engelking at 812-522-5450, ext. 4, or email [email protected].
For those who would like to help with supplies, items can be dropped off at Edward Jones branch offices during regular business hours through July 12.
A list of other drop-off locations can be found on the JCUW website at jacsy.org/rocknready.