Volunteers were helping Combined Community Services’ Tools for School giveaway today run smoothly, according to CCS Director Steve Possell. “Thanks to all the volunteers for their help. It’s running calmly and smoothly compared to five years ago. It’s something the community really likes, and it helps kids get a good foot in the door to start off the school year,” he said. Parents and their children were lining up for the school supplies before the 9 a.m. start time. It will go until about 4 p.m. today, but CCS will continue to give away the school supplies after today at its Mariners Drive location while supplies last. In 2015, the program served 1,473 students. “Every year I think the line is going to get shorter, but it doesn’t seem to,” Possell said. “I think it’s bigger this year than last. We also have more agencies this year than last.” Agencies and organizations were invited to have a table at Tools for School to inform parents of the services they offer. Some of the those present included Managed Health Services, Gideon International, Warsaw Wesleyan Church, Kosciusko County Purdue Extension, Bright Point, The Help Center, Medical & Dental Assistance and others. Warsaw Community Schools Food Service served breakfast, including doughnuts, apple sauce and a choice of white or chocolate milk. First Christian Church was to serve lunch today, while Warsaw Wesleyan provided a cold snack to kids. Fiesta Hair Salon was providing free hair cuts again to kids. Possell said that was one of his favorite parts of Tools for School because every kid should start school off with a fresh haircut. Kosciusko REMC, Old National Bank and groups representing homeschoolers volunteered to pass out the school supplies this morning and this evening. Sogeti was volunteering during the lunch hour. Peggi Lisenbee-Wright, CCS director of client assistance, said, “We could still use supplies. People have been very generous, but prices have increased. Meijer donated substantially and we purchased our supplies there. Steve Foster secured bookbags at a very reduced price for us.”
