By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
When Molly Pollick got the email from Bowling Green City Schools about students returning to classrooms and needing certain supplies, she did a quick inventory at her home.
“All the supplies we have are scattered everywhere,” used up or broken, she said.
That got Pollick thinking about families who have been hit hard financially by COVID.
“There are a lot of families who can’t afford to get a second round of supplies,” she said. “This was really weighing on me.”
The students, teachers and parents in the community have been working so hard remotely this school year, Pollock said. But as the students transition back into their buildings, they may not have the supplies they will need.
So Pollick is working with the BetterBG! Facebook group to host a School Supply Drive now through Feb. 15. Bowling Green City School students are returning to their classrooms the week of Feb. 22.
Members of the community are being asked to drop off new school supplies such as crayons, pencils, glue sticks, pink erasers, tissues, dry erase markers, washable markers, pencil pouches, notebooks and folders.
Boxes have been placed at drop-off locations at Sundae Station, Biomat, Thayer, GloBall Golf, DoGooders Local, and Waddington Jewelers.
Pollick estimated that supplies at the beginning of the school year can cost parents $75 per child – and that doesn’t count the backpacks, clothes and shoes.
Before schools start in the fall, there are often big sales on school supplies, plus there is a tax break on supplies to help out parents.
“At the beginning of the school year, the supplies are cheaper,” Pollick said.
Some families may struggle now to stock up on new school supplies – and teachers should not have to pay for them, Pollick added.
So others in the Bowling Green community are being asked to help send back students prepared to learn.
“It will be good for kids to come into school confident with their supplies,” Pollick said. “I just want the kiddos to feel secure that they have the supplies.”
“We’re trying to support Bobcat students,” she said.
The supplies will go to all the Bowling Green City School buildings.
When Pollick was picking up supplies for her children and for the supply drive, WalMart management donated toward the project, as did a person in front of her in the checkout line.
“Hopefully we will get a great response,” Pollick said.
Anyone wishing to donate money for supplies may email Pollick at mollick05@gmail.com.
