To ensure local students have the resources they need for a successful school year, District 11 Legislators Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey are hosting their annual School Supplies Drive.

“Back to school shopping can be a major expense for families who live on a strict budget,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “We want to ensure that every student has the supplies they need to start the year off right. Every child deserves the same chance at a successful school year. We are here to make that happen.”

“No family should have to worry about how they are going to afford the supplies their children need for school,” said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling. “This initiative provides local students with all of the basics they need for back to school. We are proud to be able to support our local students and we are grateful to everyone who has donated thus far.”

“As children and their parents prepare for the start of the school year, they should be focused on studying, making new friends and making the most out of the new year,” said Assemblywoman Joann Downey. “They should not have to worry about how they are going to be able to get new school supplies. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with the City of Asbury Park to collect donated school supplies to ensure every child starts the year out right.”

All donations will benefit the Asbury Park Back to School Block Party. Needed supplies include backpacks, number two pencils, crayons, colored pencils, composition notebooks, construction paper, erasers, folders, glue sticks, rulers, safety scissors, spiral notebooks, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, graph paper, ring binders and dividers.

Donations of backpacks, in particular, are greatly appreciated, as each child is provided with one to fill with supplies.

Donations may be dropped off at the District 11 Legislative Office in Ocean Township, located at 802 West Park Ave., through August 10.  Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.

For more information, call 732-695-3371 or email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].