2017 SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVE-AWAY
"Blaine County communities once again came together this year to help provide free school supplies for elementary school students. Stacy Shirley, a former Watonga teacher, is a member of the board of directors of Phoenix Circle Foundation, and the annual school supply give-away is one of several programs administered by the nonprofit organization that benefit local children.
Money donations received by Phoenix Circle Foundation and discounts on purchases of supplies at Staples Office Supply in Yukon, matched with school supplies donated by individuals from Watonga, Geary, and Canton, allowed the nonprofit organization to give every family who came by the Opportunities office on August 6, a bag of basic school supplies put together from the list prepared by the Watonga School District. An assortment of pocket folders, Crayola Markers, 24-count Crayola crayons, Crayola colored pencils, glue sticks, notebook paper, and spiral notebooks were also donated to the Blaine County DHS office for their clients. Audrey Smith, an employee at the Blaine County DHS office, said “There is always a need for school supplies for children in Blaine County, every year and all through the year.”
"2017 is the fifth year Phoenix Circle Foundation has been able to give out free school supplies to Blaine County students thanks to donors who support the program with donations of money and school supplies throughout the year,” said Linda Barrett, Director of the PCF program. “Though supplies were purchased at the Staples store in Yukon, Watonga and Blaine County did not lose any sales tax dollars because Phoenix Circle Foundation is a sales tax exempt organization. We look for the best prices from different stores, and by using our Rewards points at Staples store, this year we got more ‘bang for the buck’ and were able to serve more families.” Mrs. Barrett said, “Phoenix Circle Foundation does fundraising activities all year to be able to provide this service, along with arts education, health and wellness, and reading programs. Donations can be mailed to Phoenix Circle Foundation at PO Box 427, Watonga, OK 73772.”
NOTE: As we receive more donations, we will get more supplies to give away. Look at "Phoenix Circle Foundation" facebook page for updates. I was told that several school supply "drives", including Mercy Hospital, have been collecting school supply donations and will give the supplies directly to the schools in Watonga. /Linda Barrett
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