LANDIS — To help children with the often expensive process of obtaining school supplies for the new year, the Landis Police Department is holding a drive to offset those costs.

“We decided to do the school supply drive because we recognized that many students in our community struggle to access the necessary materials to succeed in school,” Police Chief Matthew Geelen said. “As a school, we believe that every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn and thrive, and by providing them with the necessary supplies, we can help level the playing field.”

Geelen indicated that they were requesting standard school supply items including: Pencils, pens, markers and crayons; notebooks, folders and binders; backpacks and lunch boxes; calculators, scissors, glue and tape; highlighters, colored pencils and sticky notes.

“We noticed a significant shortage of backpacks and lunch boxes,” Geelen said. “Many students need help to afford these essential items, which can make it difficult for them to carry their supplies safely and comfortably. We also see a need for more basic office supplies like pens and pencils.”

The department is also requesting educational games and puzzles that challenge children’s minds.

How do people donate?

The Landis Police Department will be the drop-off location for the school supply drive.

“Please bring your gently used or new school supplies to the police department Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Geelen said.

The Landis Police Department is located at 136 N. Central Ave., Landis.

Who will receive the supplies?

“The donated school supplies will be distributed to students who are in need at our local schools,” Geelen said. “We work closely with these schools to identify students who are struggling to access the necessary materials, and we aim to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”

The school supply drive will continue throughout the summer with a special event next month.

“Join us at our National Night Out event on Aug. 6,” Geelen said. “We will have a Landis Police Department cruiser on site where we will collect the school supplies. It’s a fun way to meet your local law enforcement officers and support a great cause. Bring your family and friends and let’s make a difference together.”

National Night Out will be held at the soccer fields at the J. Fred Corriher YMCA, located at 950 Kimball Road, China Grove.