WARSAW — With the start of school just around the corner, Combined Community Services is gearing up for their annual Tools for School event to help provide families in need with school supplies for the coming school year. This year’s event will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

The event aims to provide as many items of the school list as they possibly can. While this may not meet all of a child’s school needs, organizers hope to provide the basics to help alleviate some financial stress.

Tools for Schools Organizer Ami Pitt estimates that the event averages 1400-1500 kids every year. Because of the large turn-out, Pitt stated that monetary donations are always appreciated to keep up with supply demand.

“We usually spend around $6,000 just on book bags,” commented Pitt.

Besides monetary donations, basic school supplies are needed. Pens and pencils are a large necessity, and even pens and pencils with company logos will be accepted and handed out to kids.

“We will be happy to hand out pens and pencils with local company logos on them,” said Pitt. “The local business gets advertising and the kids get their school supplies.”

Other items needed include 3-ring binders, notebooks and two-pocket folders. Pitt is also seeking a donation for flash drives, which can be too costly for organizers to purchase themselves.

Tools for Schools is open to public, private and homeschool students. Parents are asked to bring a form of identification, like a driver’s license, and school registration forms.

Fiesta Salons will be at the event again this year to provide students with fresh haircuts. Pitt welcomes local businesses who benefit kids and provide youth programs to set up booths at the event.

Pitt praises the Kosciusko Fair Board for their support and allowance of use of the fair building, as well as Meijer for their deals on school supplies.

“We couldn’t do this without them, they are such a big help,” said Pitt.

For more information on Tools for School or to arrange a donation contact Pitt at (574) 265-4179. Donations may also be sent via check to Combined Community Services, 195 Mariners Drive Warsaw, IN 46582. Be sure to put “Tools for School” on the memo line so your donation can be used correctly.