A popular program in Greene County recently wrapped up and it continues to grow.

New Opportunities of Greene County held its annual Back to School Supply Drive, where school supply donations were accepted for less fortunate families. Coordinator Teresa Lansman says they served 170 children this year, which was more than in previous years. She points out the reasons why there’s an increased need and some of the challenges she faced with having less amount of donations coming in this year.

“I think this year a lot of families are finding it harder with the rising cost of items, the rising cost of food, and sometimes even running into a difficult (situation) to get them in town. I was trying to fill up some extra supplies that we needed. I had a hard time getting them in town so I had to go looking elsewhere.”    

Lansman talks about the pinch that families are seeing and how this program helps to offset the cost for school supplies for children.

“I’m not sure how much it would average per child but it’s easily (could) spend $60, which we’re spending that on groceries now, higher than what we were last year at this time. The cost is astronomical for some of the families. I get them everything I can and the (Greene County) school (District) is a wonderful support filling in the gaps.”      

Lansman appreciates the donations from area businesses and churches. She adds that people can continue to drop off school supplies to help any other children that qualify for the program receive free school supplies during the school year. Contact her at New Opportunities in Jefferson at 515-386-2719.