MANSFIELD — Students enrolled in the Young Leaders Institute, a program of the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, are organizing a collection drive for The New Store (Richland County Children’s Auxiliary) to benefit Richland County preschool through 8th-grade students.
Community members are invited to drive through and drop off school supplies or new clothing in any size on Wednesday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, 890 W 4th St. in Mansfield.
Monetary donations are also accepted. Donate online or make checks payable to The New Store, P.O. Box 2525, Mansfield, OH 44906.
Forty Richland County high school sophomores will be on-site to collect and organize the donations for The New Store.
“Throughout the school year, students worked on committees to organize the logistics, marketing, and fundraising for the collection drive,” said Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation Director Angie Cirone.
“The capstone project allowed them to work in teams with students from other districts to support The New Store.”
Over six program days, these young leaders visited each city and village in Richland County to talk with mayors, tour businesses, discover healthcare options, and explore area attractions.
Students participated in a student leadership challenge workshop.
The New Store (Richland County Children’s Auxiliary) provides multiple services to improve the lives of over 6,000 children annually, including The New Store, the Christmas Project, the Backpack Project, the Winter Coat Project, Anthony’s Kids, and the Youse Scholarship Program.
The Auxiliary has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 1998.
“The students worked hard to fundraise at their schools and within their communities,” Cirone said. “We hope to see many community members come out on May 7 to support their efforts.”