As the new school year begins, it’s time to roll out Tools For Schools.

On Aug. 10, parents can go to the EMU commons at 1307 Park Road 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to pick up school supplies for their children ahead of the school year.

The United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County recognized that one in every three students in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County public schools lives in an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) household. ALICE families often face significant financial challenges, and the cost of school supplies are an added burden.

“These families are working, but not earning enough to cover all the items in their household budget, let alone afford extras like school supplies,” said Jo Benjamin, director of community impact at United Way. “That’s why the Tools for School back to school resource fair is so important. Through this event, United Way connects local working families with resources in our community that can help when times are tough.”

 The United Way urges people to make a donation of school items before that date to ensure every student starts the school year off with the essential supplies needed to succeed in the classroom. The Tools For School campaign aims to ease this financial strain by providing essential school supplies to public school students who need them the most, all the while introducing ALICE households to the array of nonprofits in our area that also offer support.

And with that support, every child has a better chance to start the school year equipped with the tools necessary for success.

Whether it’s by donating supplies, financial contributions, or volunteering your time, your involvement will have a meaningful impact on the future of local students. United Way invites people to use its Google Map to find a school supply collection point near you, no matter where you are in the area.

Another option, for people who can’t get out prior to Aug. 10, is to go to the United Way website and make a monetary donation to Tools For School. Organizers will get the items from its supply list and put them in the hands of our local public school students.

In addition, McDonald’s is helping out. Visit the East Market Street McDonald’s in Harrisonburg from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 5 for “McSpirit Night,” where a percentage of all sales for those three hours benefits Tools For School!

Sponsors of the event include LD&B Financial Services, Deanone North America, Blue Ridge Insurance Services, Harrisonburg City Public School, Rockingham County Public Schools, and Comcast.