The 2020 Project School Tools Backpack giveaway held at The Salvation Army in Chillicothe has been canceled amid health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This annual event is typically attended by over 1,200 people and the Project School Tools committee did not believe they could safely hold the event.
While the economic challenges currently faced by many families makes this especially heart-breaking, financial challenges are also taking a toll on donations. “The majority of our funding comes from inmate organizations at Chillicothe Correctional Institute (CCI) and due to COVID-19 these organizations have been unable to raise money for the event,” says co-coordinator Angie Ivey.
This annual event has been a part of the community since 2004 and is put together by a large group of individuals from various agencies, organizations, and the general public with overwhelming support from local businesses, churches, businesses, and other agencies.
Co-coordinator Traci Harris stated, “We know there will be more of need this year than possibly ever before and we are looking into other ways to provide Ross County students with necessary supplies when schools re-open.
For more information contact Traci Harris at tharris@rosscountyhealth.comor or by phone at (740) 703-6804.