A Jim Thorpe resident has launched an initiative to support district students with a back to school supply drive.

Amy Kubishin presented her plan to Jim Thorpe Borough Council on Thursday night, seeking the council’s support for the initiative.

“This was kind of spur of the moment,” Kubishin told the council. “I just wanted to do what a lot of the other surrounding communities are doing — have a small, local drive just for our school district where we collect donations for back-to-school items, backpacks, pencils, all the usual stuff, and then disperse them to kids who may need them in our area.”

Since sending out her plan earlier in the week, the drive had already received a generous $250 donation from the Diligent Fire Company.

“On Monday, we will be going to Walmart to buy a large amount of school supplies,” Kubishin said.

Additionally, Randall Sellers from Sellers Books has offered to donate heavy-duty plastic bags for supply disbursement, which will save costs compared to purchasing backpacks.

Kubishin has also secured support from the Peggy Sue O’Donnell Foundation and received smaller donations from community members.

“Even though we just started, it’s already rolling pretty quickly,” she said, expressing her hope that with the borough’s approval and support, the drive could expand even more next year.

Diligent Fire Company will also be the location for supplies to be dispersed at a date yet to be determined.

“We’re looking at the week before school in the evening when most people are home and are able to come out,” Kubishin said.

Council members expressed their gratitude and support for Kubishin’s efforts.

“Thank you for stepping up and doing such a great initiative,” Councilman Connor Rodgers said. “It’s a much-needed program for the community.”

For those interested in contributing supplies, Kubishin can be contacted at a2zamy@hotmail.com for more information about drop-off or pick-up details.

“Right now, our economy is in the pits, so I think any help, even a little bit, will make a big difference,” she said.