By: Ryan Duey
Photos Courtesy of Washington Health and Drug
Washington Health and Drug is preparing for its annual School Supply Giveaway, set for July 30th, 31st, and August 1st. This program offers free school supplies to all elementary aged students in Washington County.
Keri Rogge, Health and Drug Co-Owner, said this annual initiative is one way to give back to those who haven’t just supported them at the pharmacy, but their whole lives.
“We do it so that every child can start the year with all the tools that they’ll need to have a successful school year.”
“It’s also our chance to give back to the communities that have given so much to Dustin and I throughout our whole lives.”
During the event, students will have the chance to “Shop” for their needed supplies. This year, students will be given the opportunity to decorate their backpacks if they wish, adding a personal touch to start the new school year.
Rogge said this yearly program is a large undertaking, starting with speaking to all the schools, ordering semi loads of supplies, and more.
“It’s actually quite a process.”
“We start in March by reaching out to each school and teacher. We get specific lists, and then we spend hours inputting that information into spreadsheets.”
“We go through last year’s inventory, then we order everything else that is needed. As the supplies start coming into the pharmacy, we continue to do inventory.”
“We make sure that everything is in stock for each student that we have coming in.”
Rogge emphasized that any parent or guardian who can’t make it to the pharmacy during the event can contact them to make arrangements to get their supplies at a different time.
This giving program is for all Washington County elementary students, including students from Hanover, Clifton-Clyde, Linn schools, St. John’s, and Washington County.
Visit the Washington Health and Drug Facebook page for more information.
