2012 School Supply Drive - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

It's only July, but already it's time to begin thinking about the next school year. The Cooperative Ministry in Columbia has sponsored a School Supply Drive for the last 21 years. With the support of participating congregations, partners in ministry, and other organizations, more than 92,000 children have been able to begin school with a fresh start and new school supplies.  WIS is co-sponsoring this year's 22st annual drive, and we're looking to our viewers and online readers to contribute.

Help us support our local schools and students by sponsoring a student.  We hope to help thousands of students in Richland School Districts 1 and 2 begin the school year with the adequate tools for success.  It takes approximately $20.00 to purchase items each child will need for school supplies.  This does not include a book bag or a lunch box.  This cost includes items such as notebook paper, pencils, pens, tablets, hand sanitizer, crayons, markers, binders, a calculator, a ruler, glue, a box of tissue, and erasers.

Each year, needy families find it difficult and sometimes impossible to afford basic school supplies for their children.  Students deserve an opportunity to start the school year with new supplies that will encourage positive learning. Your donation will allow students the opportunity to grow and learn without feeling inadequate. We are asking you to sponsor a student by donating at least $20.00 toward the 2012 School Supply Drive.

We will be collecting supplies on Thursday, July 26 at the following locations:

Site #1  The Cooperative Ministry (open 5 am - 7:30 pm)

             3821 West Beltline Blvd

Site #2  First Baptist Church - Columbia (open 5 am - 7:30 pm)

Site #3  Office Depot and Chick-fil-a on Harden Street (open 7 am - 7:30 pm)

Site # 4  Chick-fil-a on Two Notch Rd near Spring Valley High School (open 7 am - 7:30 pm)

Site # 5  Chick-fil-a on Forest Drive near Wal-mart (open 7 am - 7:30 pm)

 Please come out and donate to help these needy children get the supplies they need.

 You can take supplies to The Cooperative Ministry Monday through Friday, between 9am and 5pm before Friday, August 3rd or mail a tax-deductible donation to The Cooperative Ministry to the address below.

Please send all donations to:              The Cooperative Ministry
                                                            2012 School Supply Drive
                                                            3821 West Beltline Blvd.
                                                              Columbia, SC 29204

 For more information, please visit www.coopmin.org.

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Here are some statistics to show you the growing need for supplies in Richland 1 and 2:

 Richland District 1:

For the 2010-11 school year, the district served 973 preschool and school-aged children who were experiencing homelessness.

Total number of students this year: 22, 884

Percentage of students on free and reduced lunch this year: 74% (representing 17,163 students of 22,884 current total)·

Percentage of students on free/reduced lunch last year: 67.2% (representing 15,536 students of 23,120 last year's total)

Richland District 2:·

431 students listed as homeless during the 2010-2011 school year.

Total number of students: 25,050.

Percentage of students on free and reduced lunch the last two years:  43%