On Thursday, August 27th, the Manville Relief Center and the Manville Democratic Club held their 5th annual school supply distribution event at the Manville Public Library.

The Manville Relief Center was formed by Jessica Nichols, with assistance from all 4 school PTO leaders, following Hurricane Ida in 2021 to help those affected by the storm. A previous PTA leader had a connection to space available in town, and helped the Manville Relief Center set up on Main Street for the first two months.

Donations of backpacks and school supplies were collected from throughout the community, including through a donation bin placed at the Manville Public Library.

This year's event helped approximately 120 Manville students prepare for the upcoming school year, the most students helped since the annual event began.

Students received backpacks and were able to "shop" in the library's community room for the supplies they needed. From crayons, markers, colored pencils, and notebooks to headphones for their school-issued devices, students had the opportunity to select a variety of back-to-school essentials.

"For our 5th year of school supply distributions, we helped prepare 120 students for the upcoming school year! Our student numbers increase every year, and we enjoy seeing familiar faces grow each time! The Manville Relief Center was created to assist Manville families, and continues to partner with community resources to strengthen and provide opportunities for Manville residents," Jessica Nichols said.

With the cost of school supplies and other back-to-school essentials continuing to affect families, helping Manville families is what community is all about. Residents supported the event by donating supplies and coming together to ensure that Manville students could begin the new school year with the supplies they need.