Friday, September 27, 2024
Operations School Supplies is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year.
Since 2001, the nonprofit organization has provided free school supplies to Hood County families in need.
“This will be the 23rd year Operation School Supplies has been meeting the needs of families who need assistance with school supplies,” said Granbury Independent School District Director of Community Relations Lissa Oliver. “It is need based, and the need has been increasing over the last 23 years. (The organization) relies on donations and sponsors throughout the year.”
Last year, the program received a record number of applications for school supplies. Former OSS President Micky Shearon previously told the Hood County News the nonprofit received more than 2,000 applications.
Due to the growing need, Granbury ISD decided to partner with OSS to assist with gathering donations and support.
“We’re still using the nonprofit organization name, and it’s going to stay a nonprofit organization,” Oliver said. “We wanted to keep the recognition because it is such an important (program) in our community. It’s not a Granbury ISD thing; we’re just kind of coming alongside this year to make it happen for our (families).”
APPLICATIONS
To qualify, families are typically already enrolled in some type of state or federal aid like the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or Medicaid.
Parents can sign up for the free school supplies by filling out a form located on the Granbury ISD website. To find the form, go to the tab labeled ‘Parents & Students,’ and scroll down to the tab labeled ‘Operation School Supplies.’
Families are asked to submit one application per child. Notifications will be sent to the email address provided on the application.
Applications will be accepted based on availability or until the July 1 deadline. Walkup applications are not accepted on the day of distribution.
DISTRIBUTION
The Operation School Supplies Distribution & Resource Fair will take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Granbury High School, 2000 W. Pearl St.
During distribution, a resource fair will also be set up for families to learn about other nonprofit organizations like Mission Granbury, Hood County Children’s Charity and Christmas for Children.
"As the families are there to pick up their supplies, they kind of stop at all those booths, and they're able to get in touch with a lot of different community resources like Rancho Brazos Community Centers, Forward Training Center and Ruth’s Place,” Oliver said. “That's just a small sampling of what will be there, but it's kind of like a little informational boost that helps them get signed up for other programs that they might need."
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are also needed to distribute school supplies or to host a community resource table. A volunteer form can be found on the Granbury ISD website using the same steps listed above.
DONATE
Operation School Supplies is relying on monetary donations in preparation for the 23rd annual distribution. To support the nonprofit organization, make a tax-deductible contribution check payable to Granbury ISD with “OSS” in the memo field, and mail to 217 N. Jones St., Granbury, TX 76048.
For more information, contact Oliver at lissa.oliver@granburyisd.org.
