By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Summer is a full swing, but as children enjoy the long sun-filled days, preparations are underway to collect the items needed as they return to classrooms in August.
One of those annual efforts is First Call for Help’s Backpacks for Kids program.
On July 22, to help make that program possible, Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless have planned a donation day to collect school supplies.
During the day, representatives from both companies will be outside Walmart, 4301 Vine, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect items that will be later used to fill backpacks with school supplies for Ellis County children.
“I think it's important that every child gets to start the school year on the same note as everybody else, even if they're struggling or their parents are having a bit of a hard time,” said Tasha Eichman, Nex-Tech Wireless brand manager. “So being able to walk into school the first day with their peers and have a whole backpack full of school supplies, I think, just really starts them off on the right foot.”
She said supplies could be dropped off at local Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless retail locations along with the collection event.
“The week prior to that, if you would like to drop off school supplies or even cash donations, you can drop those off at Nex-Tech, (2418 Vine) or Nex-Tech Wireless (1101 E. 43rd) here in Hays if you can't make it to see us on Friday,” Eichman said.
Rhonda Meyerhoff, vice president of membership at the Hays Chamber, said the event shows the great heart of Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless to have volunteers set up to support the program.
“It's local, supporting local,” she said, “so that's great.”
“It's very important to both of our companies,” Eichman. “We live, work, play here too. And we want to give back to all of our great neighbors and friends and customers.”
Donations sought during the event include standard school supplies like three-ring binders, rulers, folders, glue and pencils.
“If you're looking for a supply list of the most needed items, they will be on both the Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless Facebook pages,” Eichman said. “And we'll also have lists on July 22 when we're out at Walmart. So if you're curious what those items are, just check out our Facebook pages.”
A complete list is also available on the First Call For Help website, firstcallelliscounty.com.
The program is supported by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, the City of Hays and United Way of Ellis County.
Parents with students interested in signing up are encouraged to do so before the July 25 deadline to guarantee the student will receive the complete supply list.
Sign-ups for the programs will be accepted on the First Call for Help’s website, firstcallelliscounty.com.
Distribution for those signed up will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St.
Remaining supplies will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5.