Along with five other local school districts, Frenship Superintendent, Dr. Michelle McCord, was given a $100 United Supermarket gift card to shop for school supplies that will later be donated.

Dr. McCord said that this year it will be even more important for the community to help students receive school supplies because many families are facing hardship caused by the ongoing pandemic.

“We have such a supportive community,” McCord said. “We know they are going to lift us up and stand behind us to make sure that every kiddo gets a great start.”

In previous years, United has allowed purchased school supplies to be donated at each location in a designated bin, however due to COVID-19, this year United will only be accepting monetary donations.

United Supermarket CEO, Robert Taylor, said the barrels that customers are used to seeing will not be there this year. Instead, cashiers will ask customers if they would like to add a donation to the Back to School Supply drive at the register.

“This may be the most unique year and the most important year,” said Taylor. “There are a lot of economic challenges for certain folks right now, so we need to support those families and take the burden off those families.”

When the drive concludes on Tuesday, August 11, the money raised will be donated to Frenship and the other local school districts, to help them provide school supplies to students.