Back to school supplies in no short supply

For some, back to school can bring excitement—but it can also bring a financial burden. 

With school supply lists seemingly longer each year, and children outgrowing their wardrobes over the summer, the cost of preparing for a new school year can add up quickly. But Hill City businesses and organizations are making sure students will have what they need to start the year off right.

From school supplies to kids clothing, the community is stepping up to ease the strain for parents and teachers alike.

JQ Clothing Co. is collecting school supply donations at their Main Street store through Aug. 28 to help support the community. Owner Jessica Quandt was motivated to help alleviate some of the burden on Hill City families.

“We know that there is such an extensive list that parents have to provide, and we know how expensive it gets. We thought we could help shed some of those expenses from families, and at least cover a few of the supplies,” said Quandt. 

Quandt’s goal extends beyond students, as she hopes to provide teachers with extra supplies so they don’t have to pay out of pocket for needed classroom supplies. 

“During the school year, the teachers will have to pick up supplies for students in their classrooms that maybe they know their families can’t afford it or they’re on hard times. Then teachers end up taking money out of their own pocket to provide those school supplies. We wanted to alleviate some of that as well,” Quandt said. 

An added incentive to donating supplies and supporting community kids? JQ Clothing Co. is offering a 15 percent discount off your total purchase with a donation.

“We are trying to encourage people to bring things in, even if it’s just a notebook or anything to help,” said Quandt.

Quandt plans to work with teachers and staff to distribute the gathered supplies to those in need. 

Monument Health Hill City Clinic organized a school supply drive as part of a community outreach initiative and will be accepting donations until July 31. A donation box is located in the lobby of the clinic and all donations will be given to the Hill City School for distribution.

In a fun twist to a supply drive, the Hill City Lions Club will be hosting a Back to School Bingo Aug. 16 from 5-8 p.m.

Winning adults will receive cash prizes while under 18 will receive a prize that will get them ready to head back to school. The grand prize winner will receive a schoolbag filled with back to school supplies. Guests can also register for door prizes and earn extra tickets for each school supply item donated.

For many parents, the expenses don’t stop at pencils and paper. Growing kids often need new wardrobes heading into a new school year. That’s where Love, Inc (Love In the Name of Christ) steps in. 

Love Inc. is hosting its fourth annual Community Kids Clothing Closet Aug. 22-23 at the Hill City Center. The event, coordinated by Love, Inc,’s Natalie Cutler, allows families to “shop” gently used clothing for free.

“It’s all clothes that have been donated by the community, for the community. The idea is that it should feel like a big hand-me-down exchange,” Cutler said. “Anyone can donate and anyone can receive clothes.”

Hand-me-down donations are accepted mid-May through Aug. 10 at the Little White Church. Volunteers sort the clothing, washing items if necessary and setting things out neatly and organized at the Hill City Center. 

“It’s one of the cleanest second-hand experiences you’ll ever have,” said Cutler. 

Volunteers are on hand to help shoppers find what they need and provide ministry if desired.

It’s a ministry of Little White Church and Love, Inc.

“At the end, we offer a prayer for people. If there’s anything that’s going on that they want to talk to us about or have prayer over, we will do that,” said Cutler. “It’s supposed to be really community building and people. I hope people want to come and enjoy the experience.”