Team initiates back-to-school drive for Greencastle-Antrim students
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Melissa Bard, a human resources manager, joins four other area residents in spearheading a project to provide school supplies for Greencastle children.

Local students may be anticipating the end of the school year but a small group of adults are already looking forward to the next term.

A team from this year's Leadership Franklin County has determined that within the Greencastle-Antrim School District, many students come from families that may find it difficult to provide the supplies necessary for the start of each school year. Working with school officials, the team realized as many as 260 students could benefit from some assistance to have new backpacks, shoes, pencils and notebooks when Sept. 2 rolls around.

Dana Kaiser, Doug Bitner and Melissa Bard, all of Greencastle, and Laura Miller and Kristian Frank of Chambersburg were assigned a community service project as part of their nine-month professional leadership program.

"We all had a common interest in helping children," said Bard on behalf of her team. "We narrowed in on a Back to School drive. There are a lot of kids in Greencastle on free or reduced lunches."

She noted many people do not realize that. Her team, calling themselves Caring For All, chose Greencastle as the recipient of school aid.

"The other area schools already had such programs. There's a perception Greencastle is a wealthy school district and didn't need help."

School personnel will gather the names of qualified students and verify need. The collected packets will be delivered to the school in August for pickup by the families. The privacy of the recipients is thereby protected.

The actual collecting of money and supplies has to be done now, though. Bard said they are accepting donations through mid-April. The team will assemble the packets in May and June and see that they are distributed in August. While the team technically disbands in May, they are sticking together to see the project through.

They have contacted businesses with a positive response. Fundraising letters have been sent out. They also welcome personal contributions, which may be sent to Chamber Foundation, CFA Leadership Franklin County, 100 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg PA 17201.

The team hopes to raise $10,000 and any money left over will be given to the school system so teachers can meet specific needs they encounter.

Leadership Franklin County is a program of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation. It is designed to produce well-informed and motivated leaders who will work toward a better county.