"School Tools Program"

What?
School Tools helps to equip economically disadvantaged students with the basic learning supplies they need to be successful at school. A variety of school supplies, from pencils to protractors, will be distributed to area public schools without charge of any kind to the schools or students.

For Whom?
School Tools is for economically disadvantaged children entering grades K-8 and enrolled in one of the areas fifteen public schools for the 2008-2009 school year. The 2008 School Tools Program provided assistance to 1500 Eastern LaSalle County area students and their families. Public elementary schools eligible to receive free School Tools include: Deer Park, Grand Ridge, Harding, Marseilles, Milton Pope, Ottawa (Central, Jefferson, Lincoln, McKinley, and Shepherd), Rutland, Seneca, Serena, Sheridan and Wallace Schools.

Why?
Over 41% of families with children who attend area public schools are economically disadvantaged, needing financial assistance with obtaining basic school supplies. Low-income parents must first take care of housing and food needs before they can consider tackling additional expenses like school clothes and school supplies. As a result, their children go to school without the essential supplies that other children take for granted. Either the school district or the teacher has had to purchase the missing items, or the student goes without. The lack of adequate supplies can affect the children's opportunity for academic achievement and success.

Cost?
Free; however, school supply distribution is based on income eligibility. To qualify for School Tools students must be eligible for the federal free lunch program. The supplies provided will be tailored to each school's required supply list and the quantity of supplies presented will be determined by the number of low-income student enrollment.

Program Sponsors?
United Way of Eastern LaSalle County and the SABIC Innovative Plastics & SABIC Volunteers have accepted the challenge of making basic school supplies available to low-income students. The program's success is dependent on the generous donations of many companies, organizations and individuals. School Tools 2008 distributed more than $10,000 of school supplies to area schools.

How Can I Help?
Contributions and in-kind gifts to School Tools are encouraged to help meet the needs of the local student community.