For the 10th year, Leonard Hardware in Sebring is collecting school supplies and clothing to benefit the B.L. Miller Elementary School "emergency supply room." The hardware store, located at 145 N. 15th St., will be taking donations throughout the month of August and the first week of September.
"When I was in grade school, I loved getting ready for the new school year," said Sue (Risbeck) Sanor, owner of Leonard Hardware. "Unfortunately, many families today struggle to provide the basic school supplies needed for their children. There is a need, and the Sebring community comes together and provides the help."
School supplies such as paper, pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue, scissors and Kleenex, which are needed throughout the school year, will be collected to stock an emergency supply room that the school teachers and staff will be able to access. Unisex emergency clothing (children sizes 5-10) such as sweatpants, sweatshirts, socks and underwear (new only) will also be collected.
"School secretary Mary Harlan and the teachers are the ones who see when a child needs help," said Sanor. "We're just trying to collect supplies so that we can help them help the children."
The drive runs through Sept. 6. Monetary donations are also welcome, payable to Sebring Local School District, with the notation "B.L. Miller Emergency Supply Room."