Patch Partners with Library to Collect Supplies for Joliet Schools

Every year when fall rolls around, parents and students alike grab the list of school supplies needed for the student and head to a store to go shopping. But the process is not that easy for everyone.

For parents who are financially struggling, back-to-school supply shopping can be daunting.

In Joliet Public School District 86, more than 75 percent of students are on the free and reduced lunch program and some students come to school on the first day without the supplies they need.

"We are always in need of pencils, notebooks, looseleaf paper, pens, glue, crayons," Sandy Zalewski, Joliet Public Schools District 86 coordinator for Communications & Development said. "I think pencils are the main thing."

In an effort to help out our community, Patch has partnered with the Joliet Public Library to collect school supplies for students in District 86. Beginning on Aug. 12 and continuing through Aug. 31, both the main branch, at 150 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet and the Black Road branch, at 3395 Black Road are accepting donations.

"Each school has individual school lists, but they are mainly the same, the general supplies that you need," Zalewski said. "There are some kids that need backpacks."

Zalewski said the district does not allow wheeled backpacks.

Students go back to school in District 86 on Aug. 19, but Patch and the library decided to continue the drive through the end of the month because some supplies are needed throughout the year.

Complete lists for the schools can be found by visiting the district Web site and clicking on the Our Schools tab. From there, each school will have the list available on its individual school site. Additionally, most local stores have paper copies of the school supply list for District 86.

If you have a large donation, you can drop it off directly at the District 86 office, 420 N. Raynor Avenue. The building will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"We're excited to have the kids come back," Zalewski said. "The kids are anxious to come back as well.

"We certainly appreciate all the support we get from the Joliet community.