School supplies for kids in need collected through Aug. 1

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — As families begin shopping for school supplies, the Rochester Area Neighborhood House is hoping they will pick up a few extras for local kids in need.

Rochester Area Neighborhood House is once again hosting the Blast Off 2 School supply drive to provide school supplies, back-to-school clothing and over 400 backpacks to children in need.

Individuals, organizations and businesses can help by donating school supplies through Aug. 1.

“With the rise in inflation, we’re expecting a greater need from students this year,” Michael Dreon, Neighborhood House executive director, said in a statement. “Support from the community is pivotal in setting our school-age neighbors on the path to success for the upcoming school year.”

This year, the following items are especially needed, according to Neighborhood House officials: backpacks, calculators, three-ring binders, pointed tip scissors, ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, highlighters, solid color pocket folders, dry erase markers, washable markers, spiral notebooks, binder dividers and more. For the full wish list, visit ranh.org/donate-now.

Meagan Mommersteeg, the director of marketing and communications for Neighborhood House, said the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the economic struggles of many families.

“We’re really seeing such an increase in demand for basic needs, so this program is so important, because not only does it help provide school supplies and clothing, but there is also the health assessment and sports physical component. We really just want to set kids up for success for their school year. It’s so important to start the school year on the right foot and to have the proper items.”

School supplies can be dropped off at Ram’s Horn, 1990 S. Rochester Road in Rochester Hills; the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester; the Rochester Fire Station, 277 E. Second St.; Auburn Hills City Hall, 1827 N. Squirrel Road; and the Neighborhood House main office, 1720 S. Livernois Road.

Families in need can register their students to receive free health screenings and sports physicals offered by Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital 3-7 p.m. Aug. 3 at Neighborhood House’s main office, 1720 S. Livernois in Rochester Hills. All participants will receive a completed health appraisal form.

The Blast Off 2 School event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Neighborhood House’s main office. Each participant will receive a backpack, school supplies, clothing and a hygiene kit provided by the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan. To participate in the back-to-school supply pickup, families must register online by Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Both the health screening and Blast Off 2 School programs are free for families with children ages 4-18 who qualify for Medicaid or free and reduced lunch programs, and who live in Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, Rochester or Rochester Hills.

Neighborhood House provides rent and utility financial assistance, operates a food pantry and clothes closet, offers transportation services, provides counseling, facilitates educational programs for families in need, and more.

To register for the event, visit ranh.org/get-help or call (248) 651-5836. To volunteer for Neighborhood House, email volunteer@ranh.org or call (248) 651-5836.