Youth & Family Services, Inc. (YFS) of Canadian, Blaine, and Kingfisher counties is working throughout August to collect school supplies for children within the care of YFS’ emergency shelter, counseling services, and foster care program. The organization’s goal this year is to collect enough school supplies to help 150 children start this school year with the supplies they need to be successful.

Community members are encouraged to participate by promoting the drive within their businesses, civic groups, or churches. Needed supplies include washable markers, coloring pencils, 1-inch binders, construction paper, solid colored pocket folders with brads, composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, and wide-ruled loose-leaf notebook paper. Supplies to can be delivered to YFS’ El Reno office at 7565 E. Hwy 66.

“There is a great need for school supplies for children within YFS’ care”, says Stacie Seymour, YFS Smart Start Coordinator, “School supplies can be expensive and not every family has the resources to be able to provide these supplies to their children.”

“School supplies are not just a child’s need, they are a family’s need”, says John Schneider, YFS Community Development Director, “This is one more way we’re able to provide support to the families in which we serve.”

If you would like more information about the drive, please contact Cindi Turner, YFS Friends Coordinator, at (405) 262-6555. Youth & Family Services, Inc. (YFS) is a 501(c)3 charity that has been meeting critical community needs for children since 1974. They currently provide over 10 programs to serve youth in Canadian, Blaine, Kingfisher, and Oklahoma Counties. More than 2,600 individuals receive help from YFS annually.