Drive to help 3,000 local schoolchildren runs through next week

Thousands of local schoolchildren need help getting their supplies before the first bell rings this fall — and a local organization is on a mission to help them get what they need.

Organizers with the Yuma Regional Medical Center School Supply Drive say 3,000 schoolchildren need backpacks and other necessary supplies after surveying local schools.

That's up from 2,800 last year, said committee chairwoman Rebecca Larson, with YRMC Community Relations.

“It's one of those things I'd actually like to see decrease one of these years. This year, there is a greater need just because of the economy.”

She said teachers have said they've seen children show up for school without the basic necessities, carrying their books in plastic bags.

It's all about helping local schoolchildren have the same opportunities as their peers, said Larson. “When they get the new backpacks, it gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

And, she said, it gives them the tools necessary to succeed at school and in life.

Larson said local organizations such as NexGen helped raise $1,460 with a “takeover” at Lutes Casino last week, and the Yuma Firefighters Association will host a supply drive at the Yuma Palms mall from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 29.

In addition, employees at YRMC are helping out with a payroll deduction program set up by the hospital.

“I'm just amazed at the number of people who are donating from their paycheck. It's really neat seeing everybody else step up.”

For more information on how to help and/or donate, call 336-7005.

DROP OF LOCATIONS:

YRMC entrances
Yuma Regional Corporate Center, 399 W. 32nd St
Yuma Regional Outpatient Surgery Center
Yuma Diagnostic Imaging Center
AEA Federal Credit Union Branches
Avanti Salon
AWC Entrepreneurship Center
Clarion Suites
Dr. Bernstein's office
Dr. Land's office
Dr. Schorr's office
Fairfield Inn
Yuma Community Food Bank
Foothills Bank – 4th Avenue and Avenue A branches
Gila Mountain United Methodist Church
Gila Ridge Storage
H&R Block
Harley Davidson Store
Hospice of Yuma
KCFY
KTTI Lobby
KYMA
Lotus Day Spa
Mt. Zion Church
Palm View Rehabilitation Center
All three Prime Care locations
Spring Hill Suites
The Yuma Sun
Towne Place Suites
Walgreens – All four locations
YPG
Yuma Nursing Center
Yuma Pest Control
Source: YRMC