ASD students can get free supplies

Local community groups are putting on a back to school celebration in Arlington where local families can receive free school supplies for the coming year.

The distribution will happen at the Arlington Assembly church at 201 N. Stillaguamish Ave., Arlington, on Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children who are in the Arlington School District, kindergarten through 12th grade, are eligible for free school supplies.

Families can register their child for supplies at 18bo.short.gy/backtoschool. Registration is required to receive supplies.

The back to school event is also meant to be fun for the students.

“This is a family fun day with resources, bounce houses, games and pick up of backpack and supplies,” said Taunya Sanchez, Arlington Assembly children’s director and one of the organizers of the event.

Arlington community organizations used to work together every summer to create a school supply drive and the event is a successor of that.

“A team of us started this event back in 2012 and it went strong for a long time. When the district started providing the kids with supplies, we shut down,” said Sanchez.

The Arlington School District has been providing students with basic supplies since 2016, although some items such as backpacks are not provided.

“We have come back to the planning table and have realized there are still much-needed things for our families, like backpacks, resources, supplies, and to know a community loves them and supports them,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez said the team is happy to be able to support students in the community again.

“We believe that providing parents and kids with additional supplies and resources is always a win. This will better equip them heading into a new school year, especially this year coming out of COVID,” she said.

Arlington Assembly is one of the organizers of the event, along with other community groups.

“We are honored to partner with VOA [Volunteers of America] and Life Church 360, and other vendors,” said Sanchez.

The groups are still looking for support from those who can give donations.

“We are still in need of some additional funding if anyone would like to donate cash or school supplies,” said Sanchez.

They are also looking for those who can provide kids games.

“We still have room for additional vendor booths if someone has resources for the community and can provide a kid game at the booth,” said Sanchez.

For more information or to donate call the Arlington Assembly church at 360-435-8981.