The annual Tools For School giveaway through Combined Community Services is slated for Aug. 8, and the program is getting a boost this year from another organization.

For this year’s Tools For School program, CCS is partnering with the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross. It’s all possible through yet another program known as Operation Home Front, which is Dollar Tree initiative. Through Operation Home Front, the American Red Cross is receiving donations of school supplies that are specially to be given out to children of military families. But, according to the Red Cross, the reach can go beyond that so, together with CCS, those school supplies will be provide those free of charge to children in the county.

Each year, CCS has offered the Tools for School program which gives area families one day to come out and get all of their children’s necessary supplies they’ll need to start school. Supplies range from notebooks and pencils to crayons and glue sticks. Even book bags are provided.

This year’s giveaway will take place from 9 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8. Like last year, Tools for School is happening in the Home & Family Arts Building at the Kosciusko County fairgrounds.

Peggi Lisenbee-Wright, director of client services for CCS, said the Tools for School program served approximately 1,500 children in 2011. She is expecting even more children this year.

Donations of school supplies – and funding earmarked for the program – are now being accepted at CCS. The Fraternal Order of Police has always been a strong supporter of the program and again this year, D.A.R.E. officers will be helping out with the giveaway.

“Our programs only work because the community is so supportive,” said Lisenbee-Wright.

Donations may be dropped off at CCS, 1195 Mariners Drive, Warsaw.