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Summer vacation is upon us and the 2021-22 school year is right around the corner. As a way to help get parents and kids prepared, Lehigh Community Services has teamed up with two local churches to make sure school supplies get into the hands that need them the most for next school year.

Registration for the back-to-school event kicked-off on June 28 with only three days remaining. Volunteers urge Lehigh Acres families in need of school supplies for students entering kindergarten through 12th to come sign up.

Families can register at Lehigh Community Services at 201 Plaza Dr., Suite 3, July 7 through 9, from 1 to 4 p.m.

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

“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

– Saturday, 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.

– Saturday, July 31

Lehigh Community Services and Christ United Methodist will hold a back- to-school event at Christ United Methodist, 1430 Homestead Road 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 may contact Lehigh Community Services.

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