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Help available in getting school supplies

PEYTON NEELY The Marietta Times Libby Swiger, preschool teacher at Ewing School, looks at pencils with her daughter Anna Swiger, 4, at A-Z Learning Supplies and More in Marietta on Tuesday.

The first day of school is fast approaching and parents are already gathering the school supplies that are needed for their children.

Some parents may not be able to afford all the supplies needed and there’s help for that. Ohio also has a tax holiday coming up next weekend that may make buying school supplies for students a little easier. There are also community programs that assist.

“Many churches donate directly to schools. As a teacher, I usually buy supplies throughout the summer as they go on sale,” said Beverly-Center fourth-grade teacher Dawn Spurr. “I know what is on the supply list, but I also know many people can’t afford everything on it. I do not check off who brings in what. I know that if a parent could get everything, they would.”

Assistance in the area can be found at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Marietta. Every year, the church collects monetary donations and items that may be needed for students going to school.

“We custom pack each backpack for the student depending on which school they’re going to and what grade they’re going into,” said Pat Hanf, treasurer for the Back to School Project. “We have a mission that every child going into school will have the same school supplies as their classmates. We see a lot of smiling faces when we pass out the backpacks.”

In order to apply to the Back to School Project, parents must apply through Washington-Morgan Community Action. Those who are income eligible can fill out an application at the agency’s office, 218 Putnam St., from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Families must be at or under 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify.

Washington-Morgan Community Action also assists those who need it with buying school supplies. They began taking applications July 10 and have already met their capacity, helping 110 clients in Washington County with school supplies for grades kindergarten through 12th grade.

Those interested in supporting the Back to School Project can mail a check to the church, 401 Scammel St., Marietta, or drop off donations to the church Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Rockland United Methodist Church, located at 2300 Washington Blvd., Belpre, also holds a school supplies drive open to the public. Anyone can join the church for a fun-filled evening with food and a free backpack filled with basic school supplies for children kindergarten through seniors in high school. This event is on Aug. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church.

“I would of course go and buy something for a student if they cannot get something themselves. However, we have a lot of things donated to our school from local churches,” said Megan Kunselman, kindergarten teacher at Waverly Elementary School in Wood County. “This gives the teachers extra supplies to have from the start.”

Many in Ohio will also take advantage of the tax-free holiday that falls next weekend. According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, Ohio’s sales tax holiday is Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 this year. During that time, clothing that costs $75 or less, school supplies priced at $20 or less and school instructional material priced at $20 per item or less are exempt from sales and use tax.

“Last year, I kept all my receipts and spent over $175 out of pocket for things for my students,” said Libby Swiger, preschool teacher at Ewing School. “Ask any teacher and they’ll say there isn’t a budget on supplying things that are needed for a child’s success.”

About the tax holiday

¯The sales tax holiday will be from Aug. 4-6.

¯During the holiday, certain items are exempt from sales and use tax.

¯Clothing prices at $75 or less are exempt.

¯School supplies priced at $20 per item or less are exempt.

¯School instructional material priced at $20 per item or less are exempt.

Source: Ohio Department of Taxation.

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