School supply drive in full swing

     The Jones County Community Partnership for Protecting, Cedar/Jones Early Childhood Iowa (ECI), and Lutheran Services in Iowa are partnering for their 14^th annual “School Supply Drive.”

     From now until Monday, Aug. 7, school supplies are being collected at several locations throughout Jones County. The supplies will help benefit families with children in grades preschool through high school. Families do not have to show financial need to qualify for school supplies.

     You can find a complete list of needed school supplies inside this week’s Monticello Express and Shoppers’ Guide. Aside from supplies, backpacks can also be donated. Calculators are in need for high school students, but can be very pricey.

     Supplies can be dropped off at several area businesses throughout Jones County. Look for the supply boxes inside each location.

Monticello

     • F&M Bank

     • Monticello Express

     • Ohnward Bank & Trust

     • Java Jones

Anamosa

     • Anamosa Journal-Eureka

     • F&M Bank

     • Walmart

     • Grounds n’ Goodies

Other locations

     • Wyoming State Bank

     • Citizens State Bank, Oxford Junction

     • City Hall, Olin

     The last date to donate school supplies in Monday, Aug. 7.

     In 2016, Sherri Hunt, director of Cedar/Jones ECI, stated that over 125 children in Jones County received a backpack full of school supplies thanks to the generous donations. Also last year, the program took in just under $750 in donations.

     Donations/checks are also being accepted to help purchase needed supplies. They can be made payable to: Jones County Family Council, P.O. Box 472, Anamosa, IA 52205.

     Questions can be directed to Hunt at 319-551-3402.

     Supplies will be available starting Saturday, Aug. 12. Families will need to call the Jones County Family Resource Center at 31-462-5318 to receive supplies and make arrangements for receiving supplies. Supplies can also be delivered to the child’s school district.