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Summer vacation is upon us and the 2021-2022 school year is right around the corner. As a way to help get parents and kids prepared, Lehigh Community Services is teaming up with two local churches to make sure the school supplies get into the hands that need them the most for next school year.

Lehigh Community Services teamed up with local churches for a back-to-school event, which kicks-off its registration today, June 28. The sign up is open to Lehigh Acres Families in need of assistance with preparing students kindergarten through 12th grades for back to school.

Each child registered will receive a backpack and school supplies. Parents need to bring a photo ID, proof of Lehigh Acres address. They will also be asked to supply the children’s name, grade they will be attending and the school’s name.

Families can register at Lehigh Community Services at 201 Plaza Dr., Suite 3, from 1-4 p.m., June 28, 29, 30 – July 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9. (The office will be closed Monday, July 5.)

“Volunteers will be onsite to help distribute each backpack, which will come with supplies that cater to the child’s grade level. Supplies include notebooks, erasers, rulers, highlighters and folders. Each church also has volunteers to help out for each location,” Executive Director of Lehigh Community Services, Carolyn Peplow said.

According to Peplow, the event donates back-to-school supplies to about 700 to 800 kids each year.

“The event is made possible by our churches, businesses, and community efforts. We put out a letter each year to the community and ask for donations. Local businesses bring us supplies throughout the year and our contact Kim Jacobs at AM Vets is our liaison with the local Dollar Stores who donate a lot of supplies for the kids backpacks,” Peplow explained.

Event locations and dates:

• Thursday, July 24, Lehigh Community Services and New Life Assembly of God will hold a back to school event at New Life Assembly, 5146 Leonard Blvd. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon.

• Thursday, July 31, Lehigh Community Services and Christ United Methodist will hold a back to school event at Christ United Methodist, 1430 Homestead Rd. N. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon.

Pre-Registration is required for both events.Other organizations that would like to participate are encouraged to contact Lehigh Community Services.

For more information, please contact Lehigh Community Services at 239-369-5818.