4 the Greater Good: Tools 4 Schools

 4 the Greater Good, KARK is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas to provide Tools 4 Schools.
Monday, August 13th, we'll be inviting you to donate school supplies to children in need. 

From basketball practice, tutoring and reading, and fun and games,  the Boys and Girls Clubs are full of kids who will soon be headed back to class.

And just in time for the new school year, 25 sixth graders at the clubs received new backpacks.

"The backpacks we're giving out today are full of their school supplies they're going to need this school year, also their required backpack," said Director of Education Shelby Kriz.

The 25 backpacks are thanks to the University of Phoenix.  The kids are part of the program "Be great. Graduate."  They'll be paired up with mentors and their progress in class tracked all the way until graduation.

"Middle school is such a big change for them," said Kriz. "So we are focusing on our 6th graders, and making sure this momentous time in their education in a smooth one."

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas are also making sure kids go back to class nourished.  They are serving lunch daily.  Meals at the Little Rock club are provided by the Arkansas Food Bank Network.

With full bellies, and ready to learn, the clubs are hoping all of these students can begin class with the supplies they need.

 "We've got 200 other kids that still need school supplies," said Kriz.

To help, you can participate in our Tools For Schools drive.  KARK be collecting school supplies to be distributed by the Boys and Girls all day Monday, August 13th at the Little Rock Walmart on Shackleford starting at 5AM.  Bring pencils, paper, notebooks, and any other school supplies to help kids start the school year off right.