Donna Lavigne wants to make sure kids a get a good start in school next month.
To that end, the Donna Lavigne Agency in Cobleskill is serving as a collection point for school supplies that the Schoharie County Community Action Program will distribute to children who need them.
Ms. Lavigne learned of SCCAP's Back to School Project from a friend at the agency and decided to help.
"I think many of us fail to realize how tough it is, especially at back-to-school time, for the working poor to provide for their kids," Ms. Lavigne said.
"Some folks are working hard but still can't get enough for their kids."
Jeannette Spaulding, SCCAP's executive director, said she hopes to provide 500 backpacks for Schoharie County kids. How many SCCAP distributes depends on how much material--and backpacks--are donated.
SCCAP is collecting traditional items, such as paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens and crayons but is also seeking items for high school students.
"There are some pricy items, like science calculators, that junior and senior high school students need," Ms. Spaulding said.
Anyone with questions about what to donate should call SCCAP at 234-2568 and ask for Community Services.
Goods must be donated by August 26, and SCCAP will distribute them in early September.
There are income guidelines for families to receive the school supplies.
Also, families must register with SCCAP for the supplies. They can visit the office in Cobleskill or call 234-2568. Registration is open now.
Families will pick up the goods in September, though in some cases SCCAP may deliver, Ms. Spaulding said.
She welcomed Ms. Lavigne's help, adding that many churches and similar groups are also collecting supplies.
"She's a dynamo," Ms. Spaulding said. "Collectively, we can cover a lot of families' needs."
Ms. Lavigne's agency, on Main Street, is open during regular business hours.
"I don't believe a little kid should go to school without what he or she needs," Ms. Lavigne said.

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Ms. Spaulding listed others also collecting school supplies:
Cobleskill: Calvary Assembly of God, Fusion Community Church, United Methodist Church, St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.
Middleburgh: Parish of Our Lady of the Valley, Pilgrim Holiness, St. Mark's Lutheran.
Central Bridge: Bethany Lutheran Church.
Jefferson: Calvary Full Gospel Fellowship, Jesus Christ Community Hebron.
Sharon Springs: United Methodist Church.
Gallupville: Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Howes Cave: Meeting Place for God's Family.