COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – With school starting in a few weeks, State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is hosting a school supply drive to benefit local families and schools through the month of August.

“My kids’ school supply lists seem to get longer and more expensive every year,” said Stuart. “We are fortunate to be able to plan for these expenses, but for many families back to school creates an increasing financial burden. My school supply drive is an opportunity for members of our community to contribute to the educational success of all local students.”

Items donated to Stuart’s drive will be given to local schools to benefit families in need. School supplies for all grade levels are accepted, in addition to shared classroom supplies such as tissue boxes, paper towels and dry erase markers. There will be a drop off box at Stuart’s constituent services office, located at 2105 Vandalia St., Unit 16 in Collinsville as well as the main lobby area of all Edwardsville School District 7 schools. Donations will be accepted until September 1.

“As a former teacher, I know that every teacher in our community purchases school supplies for students and other classroom materials out of their own pockets,” Stuart added. “I know teachers who purchase snacks for children who come to school hungry and unfocused, or clothing for children whose families couldn’t afford a nice shirt for picture day or graduation. They don’t expect recognition or reimbursement. They do it because they care and it’s the right thing to do. The least we can do as a community is help to contribute to these classrooms when we can and pick up a few extra supplies during back to school shopping.”