Desert View Hospital hosts annual school supply drive

Desert View Hospital is teaming up with the NyE Communities Coalition to hold an event to benefit children who may not be able to afford school supplies.

The two entities are hosting the school supply drive, which is in its third year, from now through July 13 to benefit local students in need of supplies for the 2015-2016 school year.

School supplies collected will be distributed during the hospital’s annual Back to School Health Fair, slated for Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children in attendance will be able to collect a bag of school supplies (while supplies last) during the event.

“Last year we were able to give school supplies to 373 children at the health fair,” said Meagan Kowalski, Director of Marketing at DVH. “This year we are hoping to be able to distribute supplies to at least 400 students, but we need the community’s help to make that happen.

“From pencils to crayons to Kleenex and three-ring binders, every donation helps.”

Kowalski said she estimates that around $2,000 of supplies were handed out at last year’s event.

Parents are urged to get to the event well ahead of time, as last year there was a lengthy line before the 9 a.m. opening time, and had given away all supplies by 10:30 a.m., Kowalski said.

The students must accompany their parents in order to obtain supplies, and if a school-aged child is not present, then no supplies will be handed out.

Donations can be dropped off at the main desk of the hospital until July 13. All donations are appreciated, Kowalski said.

The fair is not limited to helping out with school supplies, as a host of other services relating to preparing for a school year will also be provided.

Attendees will also be able to receive no cost immunizations, vision screenings, sports physicals, dental screenings, and scoliosis screenings. A wide array of vendors will also be on site with information relative to parents and children, including representatives from the Nye County School District and the transportation department.

This year the event is incorporating “The Battle of the Businesses” which is a contest between area business to see who can collect the most supplies.

If any supplies are left over,m they will be donated to Valley Electric Association’s, “Fill the Bucket” supply drive.

The hospital is located at 360 S. Lola Lane, near Wilson Road and Highway 372. For more information contact Meagan Kowalski via phone at 775-751-7120 or by email at meagan.kowalski@dvrmc.org.