VILLA PARK, Ill. – As students and teachers in the community begin preparing for the new school year, state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, is requesting donations from local residents for her annual school supply drive from now through Friday, Sept. 6.

“In previous years, we’ve been able to make a real impact for students, their parents and our teachers,” Conroy said. “Every child deserves to start the school year with the tools they need to learn, but it can be tough for parents to afford all of the supplies on their list in addition to the increasing cost of school fees and other expenses that come up every fall.”

Drop-off locations include:

• Conroy’s Constituent Service Office – 28 S. Villa Ave.,Villa Park
• Glenside Public Library – 25 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights
• RE/MAX All Pro – 66 Stratford Dr., Bloomingdale
• Glendale Heights Village Hall – 300 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights
• Glendale Heights Sports Hub – 250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights

“I’m grateful to all of the local businesses and organizations who’ve come together to support local students year after year,” Conroy said. “The school supply drive is a fantastic way to give back to our community – even a little bit of help can make all the difference.”

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.”