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06/27/2018 01:50 PMSummer is just getting underway for most school kids, but Courtney Rosenberg is already thinking about back-to-school supplies and backpacks – lots of them.
Each summer, Rosenberg coordinates the townwide School Supply Collection Drive through non-profit Community Dining Room (CDR). The program gives backpacks and supplies to Branford students in need in grades K – 12. The success of the drive depends on residents, groups and organizations donating hundreds of needed school supply items (see the list below) and plenty of brand-new backpacks.
"We are actively seeking donations. Last year, through the generosity of so many, we were able to provide over 140 students in Branford with backpacks filled with all of the essentials," said Rosenberg, who is CDR's Volunteer Coordinator.
She said the number of requests for backpacks is expected to rise this year.
CDR will be collecting backpacks and school supplies until August 17 and will be distributing filled backpacks to pre-registered students on August 21, during CDR's Tuesday Night Dinner on the Branford green.
New school supplies can be contributed by dropping them off now through August 17 at three town locations including CDR (30 Harrison Ave.); Branford First Selectman's Office at Town Hall (Town Hall Drive) and the James Blackstone Memorial Library (758 Main St.).
Parents or guardians of students in need of a filled backpack are asked to sign up in advance by making a quick visit to CDR with valid identification to verify residency in Branford.
"We are open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They can stop in and any staff member can sign them up; or they can call me for any additional hours we are here to stop by," said Rosenberg, who also encourages calls from parents with any questions.
As Volunteer Coordinator for CDR, Rosenberg also welcomes contact from any individuals, businesses or organizations wanting to volunteer with CDR or donate now or in the future.
The following items are needed to assist CDR's School Supply Drive: new backpacks, lunch bags, pencils/pens, binders (1", 2" and 3"), folders, composition notebooks, three-subject notebooks, five-subject notebooks, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue, glue sticks, highlighters, loose leaf paper, pencil boxes, pencil pouches, rulers, child scissors, erasers, calculators, paper clips etc.
The Community Dining Room is located at 30 Harrison Ave. in Branford. For more information on the backpack program, contact Courtney Rosenberg at 203-488-9750 (ext.2) or email crosenberg@communitydiningroom.org