Worcester School Supply Drive Will Be Last At Lakeside Apartments

WORCESTER, MA — A community school supply drive for Worcester students living near the Lakeside Apartments will hold its second annual event this weekend — and the last as a plan to rebuild the 1949 public housing complex moves ahead.

The groups Racism Free WPS, Free Worcester and Indivisible Worcester are sponsoring Sunday's Coes Pond Community drive, which will distribute supplies like backpacks, stationery supplies and books to students attending Worcester Public Schools.

"It's an opportunity for students to come together for fun activities, books, school supplies, and food and reflect on the first few weeks of school in the community," co-organizer Nelly Medina said in a Facebook post. "Also, it is an opportunity for the community to support local students and youth and grassroots-led initiatives."

The Worcester Housing Authority is rebuilding the Lakeside Apartments with developers Boston Capital and E3 Development. The redevelopment will turn the 202-unit complex into a 374-unit development with 248 units for people earning 30 percent of area median income, 57 units for those earning 60 percent of the area media income, and 44 units for first-time homebuyers. The final 25 units will be available at market rates.

The first phase of the project will include the buildings west of Garland Street near the Coes Reservoir shoreline, according to plans submitted to the city.

Plans call for the redevelopment to take place in sections over the next five to 10 years, with tenants being temporarily relocated during construction, WHA CEO Alex Corrales has said.

Organizers say donations have been lower this year compared to the previous event. If you'd like to donate, visit the Amazon Wish page here.