Communities in Schools has launched its annual School Tools drive.

More than 63 percent of Rowan-Salisbury School System students are eligible to receive free or reduced lunch. This means that nearly 10,000 students in the school system may start the school year without the needed supplies.

Having school supplies available to children helps them feel equal to the rest of the children starting school. When students have the needed tools to succeed in school, they want to be there, they want to work, and they are able to succeed.

To help Rowan-Salisbury students have a great school year, donate supplies today. There are many ways to help. As you are shopping for your children or grandchildren, buy a little extra. If you don’t have children you buy for, help by purchasing items for a deserving child in your community.

See all drop off locations below:

Through Aug. 1

• Belk Store in Salisbury

Aug. 1-19

• The Gateway Building, 204 E. Innes St.
• Novant-Rowan Medical Center location

Aug. 3-19

• All F&M Bank locations
• Chick-Fil-A
• Novant-Rowan Medical Center Location

Aug. 8 is postal collection day. Leave your items at your mail box and your carrier will pick your donations up.

If you need your items picked up or you would like to host a drop off location, call 704-797-0210.

This is Communities in Schools’ 16^th year of collecting supplies for area children.

For more information visit www.CISRowan.org or e-mail cisrowan@gmail.com . Communities in Schools is a United Way agency.