In preparation for the Annual First Day Festival, the city of Charleston is conducting a school supply drive to ensure that local students have the materials they need to begin the new school year. Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, August 8, and pre-packed bags of the school supplies will be distributed to students at the Festival on Sunday, August 12, 2018 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Liberty Square at the South Carolina Aquarium and Gadsdenboro Park.
School supplies can be dropped off at the Arthur Christopher Community Center, Bees Landing Recreation Center, Charleston Tennis Center, James Island Recreation Center, Hazel Parker Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center, Charleston Farmers Market, and West Ashley Farmers Market. The most requested supplies include pens & pencils, erasers, wide-ruled filler paper, wide-ruled composition books, two pocket folders, crayons, markers, 12-inch rulers, colored pencils, index cards, tissues, glue/glue sticks, and scissors.
In addition to the school supply distribution, the Festival will feature various exhibits providing information on student support services and community resources, entertainment in the Kids Zone, healthy snacks, and face painting. Admission to the South Carolina Aquarium will be free from 1 to 4 p.m., and limited free boat rides will be offered.
Mindy Sturm, director of the Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth & Families, said, “Each year, we look forward to the First Day Festival and the opportunity to come together in support of our students. The annual school supply drive is a big part of making the festival a success and setting local students up to thrive in the coming academic year.”
To learn more about the First Day Festival, where to donate to the school supply drive, and how to volunteer, contact Ebony Venson, First Day Festival Coordinator, at vensone@charleston-sc.gov or visit www.charleston-sc.gov/MOCYF.