13th Annual Edward Jones School Supplies Drive Underway In Melrose

MELROSE, MA — For the 13th consecutive year, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chris Cinella is collecting school supplies for local children who need them.

All supplies will be given to Melrose families who require extra help or are being served by the Red Cross or the Melrose Emergency Fund.

Community members can drop off donations at the Edward Jones office located at 502 Main Street until Monday, Aug. 21.

“The school supplies drive is a true community initiative, and you see first-hand how generous people are. It is also a program that continues to grow,” Cinella said in a statement. “When I started this program in 2010, we received a few dozen backpacks and supplies. Consistently for the last several years, we have collected what amounts to about 130 backpacks filled with school supplies.”

According to KPMG’s 2023 Back-to-School Spending survey, back-to-school shoppers expect to spend on average, $377 per child, which is 21 percent more than a year ago, ranging from $212 per preschooler to $640 for a first-year college student. This is compared to $270 in 2021, partly due to inflation. This figure does not include other costs, such as extracurricular supplies like sporting equipment or art supplies.

“Just as the amount of donations have grown, so too has the need. Items such as a new backpack or a fresh box of crayons, make a big difference to children," said Mayor Paul Brodeur. "Our older students need specific calculators, headphones, and other more technical supplies. These donations are a simple but powerful way for to ensure every student has a great first day of school. I am grateful to Chris Cinella for organizing this program year after year."

All types of new, unused school supplies are welcome, particularly pencils, pens, crayons, markers, erasers, notebooks, paper, binders, folders, backpacks, lunchboxes, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, staplers, calculators, headphones, and dry erase markers. Gift cards to stores that offer school supplies are encouraged.

Supplies will be distributed to Melrose families through their local public school and through the Melrose Emergency Fund. Families should contact their respective school principal to arrange pick up of needed supplies. Families in need of supplies may also contact the Mayor’s Office at 781-979-4440.

The Edward Jones office is located at 502 Main Street and donated supplies may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.