Oak Ridge, Tennessee – July 29, 2022
The ADFAC School Supply Program is currently in the process of providing new backpacks and school supplies to 4,300+ students ranging in age from preschool to high school. Eligible students, identified by staff at each of the 45 participating schools located in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, and Roane Counties, will be receiving a backpack full of school and grade specific supplies.
Led by ADFAC’s School Supply Program Coordinator, Becky Hook, this program is celebrating 29 years helping disadvantaged students starting school on an even playing field with their peers. According to Hook, “we just really want every student in our area to have what they need to be ready to learn. Self-reliance and self-sufficiency begins in childhood. A student can feel self-confident and ready to learn by having the right materials in their own backpack. Improved mental health can also lead to improved school performance.”
Left to right back row: Sam Andavazo, Jason Crass, Emily Rios, Scott Lane, Joe Huff
Left to right front row: Sasha Benjamin, Susan Lloyd
This program’s success relies greatly on monetary and volunteer support. This program is dependent on hundreds of volunteers, who pack and deliver the supplies to each school where school personnel distribute the supplies to eligible students and is made possible through monetary and in-kind donations from the following: Arby’s Foundation, Newell Brands, C&J Wealth Advisors, United Way of Anderson County, CNS, 3M, Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club, Altrusa, UT Battelle, and Leidos. In addition, many area churches and clubs provide valuable support.
Monetary donations may be made online or sent to ADFAC School Supplies P.O. Box 5953 Oak Ridge, TN 37831. A drop box for supply donations is located at the ADFAC office 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike. A list for requested items can be found: ADFAC’s School Supplies Program
ADFAC, an independent non-profit agency, exists to serve the basic needs of primarily low-income residents in Anderson and surrounding Appalachian counties. ADFAC’s goal is to help families become stable and self-sufficient through a variety of direct assistance services designed to meet the need of our clients. More information about the school supply program and other ADFAC services can be found on the website ADFAC.org.
