School supplies drive to help needy Rockdale families

By Michelle Floyd (2863)
michelle.floyd@newtoncitizen.com

Wednesday, July 18, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS -- Rockdale County families who need help getting their students school supplies for the upcoming school year can pick up some free supplies this weekend.

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, a Day of Connections will be held at the Rockdale Career Academy, which is located at 1064 Culpepper Drive, off Parker Road, in Conyers.

"It was a great location (last year)," said Michael Hutcheson, executive director of the Rockdale Coalition for Families and Children. "We will be indoors and out of the heat, unlike in the past, when we've done it outside."

The event is being sponsored and organized through the Community Resource Network, made up of several local organizations, as well with the help of United Way and Rockdale County Public Schools, among others.

The Coalition has ordered supplies through donations that should help at least 600 students this year; the Rotary Clubs and Rockdale Medical Center, among others, also have held drives to collect supplies, Hutcheson said.

Several churches also are sending volunteers to the event.

"It's a wonderful collaborative opportunity to help families in need to let them know we are here," Hutcheson said.

Supplies will be given away first come, first served to families who show a proof of residence, including a picture ID and a utility bill or some sort of document proving they are Rockdale County residents. The school-aged children receiving supplies also must be present at the event, Hutcheson said.

He said the Department of Labor will be at the event with employment information, and several other organizations will have booths set up.

Last year's event served between 600 and 700 students, he said.

Donated school supplies can be dropped off at RCA from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday.

More information is available by calling 770-761-9244.

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AWOL 10 months, 1 week ago

I only want to donate to children who are truly needy. How do we know the families showing up are not just free loaders?

Elmo 10 months, 1 week ago

There are so many freeloaders in today's society, it's hard to tell anymore.

There are some who have fallen on hard times, for sure, but food, clothing, and school expenses are part of the cost of raising children. Many generations of parents have managed to equip their children for an education, doing whatever they could to make it happen. I remember pawning the TV set, and an old guitar, one year to afford school supplies for my four children. I've worked two jobs, cut back on groceries and even sold furniture to make it happen.

I had my children, and our family pride to consider, and I made it happen.

Spydee 10 months, 1 week ago

I worked for Rockdale county schools for a few years. I had parents who would by CARTONS of cigarettes yet not spend 5 cents on a simple folder or pencil for the child.... they were "needy"

1ayk 10 months, 1 week ago

This is what happens as the liberal urban sprawl expands. And, it will continue as long as the give me generation votes for the likes of the ciurrent administrations......

MsKito 10 months, 1 week ago

I applaud this effort to help, but I agree with the others that -- either by teaming up with DFACS or the like -- there should be some kind of controls, otherwise the items will not go to the truly needy. I guarantee there will be mamas showing up with nails done and an iPhone in their hand, the same ones who always say they can't afford to buy things for their kids yet always have the money for whatever they want to buy for themselves.

NitetimeinDaytime 10 months, 1 week ago

I say drop them off at the school. Not saying there are not needy families who need the help, however if they want to make the biggest impact - take it to the schools and let the teachers manage them. I am sure they would appreciate not having to come out of their own pockets as much for supplies the parents should be sending with the kiddies.

superman 10 months, 1 week ago

I agree completely. My family tries to help our teachers out as much as possible because the teachers not only give their time to help children but they also take their low pay checks and buy things for class. Like Elmo said, think outside the box. Live on a budget, it is never a surprise that school starts. Begin putting money back for the purchases a few months before if you need to.

heresyafacts 10 months, 1 week ago

You're absolutely right. In fact, if RCPS would have a page on their website with TEACHER requests for supplies, then donors could direct their aid more efficiently.

AWOL 10 months, 1 week ago

Good point. I bet the teachers know who really needs stuff. I have some freinds that teach here. I will go that route. Rockdale Coalition for Families and Children can keep making our town free-loader freindly if they want. But Mr Hutcheson, I want my donations to go to truly needy people, not just have some cattle call for free stuff.

will 10 months, 1 week ago

These so called needy families should be tested for drugs before they get any help. They should be checked for tattoos, smokes and anyother thing you could waste money on that could go to the kids. I think giving the supplies to the schools for distribution is a great idea, it keeps the deadbeat parents out of it. I saw what was at one of these deals last year and these people think that they are entitled to everything a hard working american is and they are not. As long as you give they will take and expect more.

BrentLuNae 10 months, 1 week ago

1ayk for you to make such a statement means that only one race is creating all the problems and all other races are perfect. All races have issues. Trailer parks have just as many problems as the ghetto projects; it's just not broadcast as much. I truly thank God I am not around any of that mess.

1ayk 10 months, 1 week ago

No one mentioned race. Liberals come in all sizes and race. They have created the give me society. And, you have to admit most of the urban sprawl movement is mainly liberal and will always be unless people start getting a grip on what makes this country great. It, in my opinion, is not the policies of the current local and national administrations making the country great. I agree trailor parks do add to the problems and are just as bad in some situations.

Rockdale Citizen