Cinnaminson Collecting School Supplies for Students in Need

Cinnaminson school officials are once again seeking school supplies and backpacks for the district's financially disadvantaged students.

Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi said each year the district collects items for students who are part of the district's free and reduced lunch program, as well as purchasing items for students through the Jane Weilenbach Fund—a fund started by faculty members after Weilenbach, the district's first social worker, retired several years ago.

In addition to the school supply drive, the Jane Weilenbach Fund also helps pay for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for disadvantaged students, as well as holiday presents. 

Illuzzi said the district contacts the parents of the children to pick up the supplies and backpacks prior to the start of school "so they start the school year off like everyone else."

The need is greater now than ever before, with roughly 70 to 80 families in the free and reduced lunch program—a significant increase over the last several years, according to the superintendent.

Those interested in donating school supplies can bring them by the Memorial School (2195 Riverton Road) before Aug. 20.