The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network needs your help. In an effort to provide local children with back to school supplies PVEN is collecting items. Any items are appreciated but there is a particular need for pencils, pens, notebooks, markers, folders, colored pencils and highlighters.

Kat Bergin, program manager, said, “School is such an important part of children’s lives. What we hope to do with the event is help kids with confidence and supplies so that they can focus on their studies and succeed.”

The back-to-school event is open to registered families in six townships in the West End of Monroe County; Chestnuthill, Eldred, Jackson, Hamilton, Polk and Ross. Call the office at 570-992-3136 to register

A “Self Declaration of Need” is required to be signed by a parent or guardian. The county has income limits based on the number of household members.

Last year the project anticipated helping 150 children and ended up helping 182 children with more expected this year. Bergin noted to “Keep in mind, although it may look like there are great prices on back to school supplies, they are still out of reach for those struggling to make ends meet. This project lightens the burden.”

Also being collected are socks and sneakers for boys, girls, men and women. They are in need of underwear donations as well: For girls and women, hipsters are asked for and boxer briefs for boys and men.

Personal care items such as toothbrushes, floss deodorant, body wash are being collected too.

Each child will receive a backpack full of grade appropriate school supplies, new sneakers, socks, underwear, and personal care items. Pocono Dental Associates has donated dental supplies for each child.

Items can be donated at 2336 Route 209 Sciota there are 24-hour accessible donation bins on the porch by the clothes closet. If making a larger donation you can call and it can be picked up.

Check www.pven.net for further information.