Drive for Supplies is a program that recycles used, but usable, school supplies left in student lockers at the end of the school year and distributes them to children in need. To celebrate the successful conclusion of this year's efforts, Superintendent of Schools Jerry D. Weast, members of the Board of Education, other local officials, program organizers, and some of the recipients of the supplies will participate in a ceremony and distribution of supplies at Rosa Parks Middle School on Monday, July 19, at 10 a.m.

Students and other volunteers will be recognized for their work in sorting and refurbishing the notebooks, pencils, backpacks and other items that have been donated - more than 300 boxes of supplies weighing approximately 2,500 pounds.

Drive for Supplies is a collaboration between Learn Shop, Inc., and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). This year, 42 schools, along with several MCPS offices, participated in the program. Working with outside agencies, MCPS will be sending some of the supplies to school children in Nicaragua and Africa. Materials also will be distributed locally to nonprofit agencies and county elementary schools with a high number of low-income students.

Drive for Supplies not only teaches students the importance of recycling and reducing landfill waste, but also teaches students that they can have a direct impact on communities by giving reusable school supplies to local, national, and international schools and organizations.