The 23nd annual School Clothes and Supplies for Kids Drive is being organized by Messiah Lutheran Church, 1013 East Lawn Ave. in Urbana. The church will accept donations of clothing and school supplies from July 4 through Aug. 12. Clothing can be new or used, but in good condition. Supplies should be new. The church asks that neither shoes nor coats be donated. Last year, 960 Champaign County area children were helped by these donations.
Businesses, churches, community organizations and individuals are asked to donate. The community is asked to help sort clothes and package supplies. Clothes are sorted at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays from July 22 through Aug. 12. Supplies will be packaged from July 27 through Aug. 7. Schedules are available on the church website, www.messiahurbana.info, under “School Clothes/Supplies” or “Outreach.”
Donation barrels will be outside the church doors and at the YMCA from July 4 through Aug. 12. Financial donations may be mailed to the church with the memo of “School program.” The church secretary can be reached at 937-653-4110 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays to answer questions.
The distribution takes place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the church. Children in need can receive three outfits, socks and underwear, and school supplies packaged by grade.