Back to School Drive is On!

WHEO Radio...in cooperation with various community partners...has officially launched a countywide campaign to collect and distribute school supplies to underprivileged children in the community as the new Patrick County school year approaches. WHEO is working closely with Kevin and Paula Polachek, who are well-known for their outstanding charity work in the community, a host of local businesses, the Patrick County Recreation Department, and Patrick County Public Schools.

Concerned citiens are asked to purchase school supplies anywhere they so desire and drop them off at collection sites throughout Patrick County. If you prefer, you may also make monetary donations that will be used by campaign volunteers to purchase school supplies for needy students. Donations of school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, packpacks, etc.) will be collected over a two week period and then distributed to Patrick County's schools that will then direct them to the students who need them the most.

Collection boxes have been placed at these participating business establishments: MNM in Ararat, Orchard View Market in Woolwine, M&M in Critz, Poor Farmer's Market at Meadows of Dan, Bengle Outlet in Stuart, Stuart Tire and Auto Center, Lowes Foods in Stuart, Dollar General in Stuart, Food Lion of Stuart, Wal-Mart in Stuart, Lighthouse Grill at Fairystone, and the DeHart Park Pool in Stuart.

If you desire to contribute money, make checks payable to WHEO Back to School Fund. Send your contributions to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171, Attn: Richard Rogers, or to SunTrust Bank, 114 W. Blue Ridge St., Stuart, VA 24171, Attn: Vicki Collins. Again, make all checks payable to WHEO Back to School Fund.

WHEO Back to School Supplies Drive volunteers will visit various local businesses on Sat., Apr. 2nd, and will have lists available of specific school supplies that will be needed. Also on Apr. 2nd, patrons of the Dehart Park Pool who use their pool pass and bring school supplies will receive a free soft drink. Those who pay the daily pool fee will get a 50-cent discount with the donation of school supplies.

Rising prices and poor economic conditions have left many Patrick County families financially strapped and many youngsters in our community might have to go without adequate school unless we act as a community of concerned citizens to address this growing need.

Persons wishing to donate school supplies are reminded that the best time to purchase them will be during the state sales tax holiday that will extend from Fri., Aug. 1 to Sun., Aug. 3.

My thanks to Kevin and Paula with whom it is always my pleasure to work, Patrick County Public Schools, the Patrick County Recreation Department, participating businesses, and concerned citizens. i appreciate your support of the first WHEO Back to School Supplies Drive! God bless you and God bless the future of our county, our young people!

Love :O)
Richard