Rotarians Aim To Help Mendham Students Through School Supplies Drive

MENDHAM, NJ — The Rotary Club of the Mendhams is trying to help local students in need with a school supplies donation drive.

The school supply drive will run through Saturday, Aug. 19, in collaboration with Jersey Cares, a Livingston-based nonprofit.

Donations can be dropped off at the Coldwell Banker office, located at 106A East Main St., Mendham Borough, at any time. If the office is closed, a drop box will also be available outside.

Jersey Cares provides educational tools to thousands of students to help them succeed academically. The nonprofit collaborates with schools, children's shelters, and community centers to ensure that no child in New Jersey misses school due to a lack of basic school supplies.

The suggested donations list includes:

• backpacks (new/gently used)
• 1, 3 or 5-subject notebooks
• composition notebooks
• 2-pocket folders
• pencil cases
• #2 pencils
• pencil sharpeners
• erasers
• pens
• highlighters
• crayons, washable markers, colored pencils
• book covers
• calculators
• kid scissors
• glue
• rulers
• laptops or tablets
• headphones
• Visa or Amazon gift cards

“We are excited to support Jersey Cares in their effort to help children across our state,” said Rotary Club President Amalia Duarte. “No child should struggle in school because they don’t have the right tools to get their work done. Our collection drive is ongoing until Saturday, August 19, and we are grateful to Coldwell Banker for providing a drop-off site.”

The Rotary Club of the Mendhams is part of a global network of thousands of Clubs and volunteers who live by the simple motto "Service Above Self." The Rotary's mission is to help communities by doing good.

For many years, the Mendham Rotary has awarded college scholarships and supported area nonprofits such as The Sharing Project, Inter-Faith Food Pantry, Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force, JBWS, and others.

The club is always welcoming new members, and membership is open to everyone. Meetings are held bimonthly at Dante's restaurant for camaraderie and to plan the year's activities.

To learn more, contact President Amalia Duarte at amalia8862@yahoo.com to attend a meeting.