WEST HARTFORD – Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford (JFS), is currently collecting donations of newly-purchased school supplies for children and teens in need. Co-sponsored by the Mandell JCC’s Family Room, PJ Library of Greater Hartford and the Jewish Children’s Service Organization (JCSO), the JFS Third Annual Back-To-School Drive is in full swing through Sunday, August 20.

“We are excited to partner with the JCC’s Family Room and PJ Library, along with the Jewish Children’s Service Organization (JCSO) to help children in our local community. Together, we embrace the opportunity to make a difference,” announced JFS executive director Anne Danaher.

Suggested donations include lined paper, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, calculators, spiral notebook, pocket folders, rulers, binders, highlighters, crayons, colored pencils glue sticks, black or blue pens, and backpacks.

“I can’t think of a better way to teach my daughters about giving back than to have them participate in this meaningful project to benefit local children. Every child deserves to feel confident and prepared on their first day of school,” said JFS development co-chair Pia Rosenberg Toro.

Collection boxes can be found at the following locations:

Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford

Mandell JCC Swim & Tennis Club, 4 Duncaster Rd., Bloomfield

Mandell JCC Valley Sports & Community Center, 310 Albany Ave., Canton

Sally & Bob’s Eatery, 10 North Main St., West Hartford

Corporate sponsors for the 2017 drive are local businesses S&S Worldwide and Victor Advertising Services.