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. 1, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

The event aims to provide as many items on 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.

FIESTA will be providing free haircuts to children who receive supplies. Warsaw Community Schools Food Services will be providing breakfast to children at 8 a.m. The Lions Club will be providing eye testing for children.

Face painting and outside games will also be held during the event.

Meijer provides funds to help cover the cost of school supplies, showing their dedication to those in need in a big way. CCS appreciates their continued support throughout the years, which has increased their ability to supply Kosciusko County students with needed school supplies.

Steve Foster, CCS board member, secured book bags again this year at a greatly reduced cost.

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.

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. Other items needed include 3-ring binders, 5-subject notebooks, flash drives, composition notebooks and protractor sets.

Donations may also be sent via check to Combined Community Services, 195 Mariners Drive Warsaw, IN 46582, or dropped off during office hours. Be sure to put “Tools for School” on the memo line so your donation can be used correctly.