2022 School Supply Drive Seeks To Support Melrose Families In Need

MELROSE, MA — An annual school supply drive for local children is back this week in Melrose.

The supply drive began on Monday and will continue until Aug. 22. Those interested in donating can drop off supplies at financial advisor Chris Cinella’s Edward Jones office at 502 Main Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Supplies will go to Melrose families in need.

“I continue to be very grateful to the community for their generosity as the collection drive grows each year,” Cinella, who is also Melrose’s City Council President, said in a press release on Monday.

This marks the 12th year of the school supply drive.

The drive initially gathered “a couple dozen backpacks and supplies." It has since ballooned, now regularly amassing close to 130 backpacks stuffed with supplies, according to Cinella.

Currently taking place, this year’s drive comes as some families face an increased strain due to inflation.

“Just as the amount of donations have grown, so too has the need,” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur said this week. “...These donations are a simple but powerful way for every Melrosian to help children have a great first day of school.”

All school supplies are welcome at the donation drive.

Of particular interest are:

• Pencils
• Pens
• Crayons
• Markers
• Erasers
• Notebooks
• Paper
• Binders
• Folders
• Backpacks
• Lunchboxes
• child-safe scissors
• glue sticks
• Staplers
• Calculators
• Headphones
• Dry erase markers

Gift cards to stores that offer school supplies are also welcome.

Families needing support through the school supply drive can access supplies through their child’s school.

Families should contact their respective school principal to organize pick-ups.