State Representative Lucy Dathan announced a Backpack/Back-to-School Supplies drive to support Open Doors Shelter at 55 Chestnut Street in Norwalk on Saturday, 8/13 from 9:30 to 11:00am. The drive is co-hosted by Senator Bob Duff, State Rep. Travis Simms, and State Rep. candidates Dominique Johnson and Kadeem Roberts.

Open Doors and the group is urging area residents to stop by and bring donations to help with this effort. “Our local residents are notorious for their generosity and willingness to help others in need,” Lucy Dathan said. “We are convinced that this school supply drive will be a big success for students going back to school this year.”

Some of the most needed items for students include backpacks for all ages, loose-leaf papers, one and 5 subject notebooks, erasers, glue sticks, crayons and markers, highlighters, colored and regular pencils and pens, scissors, index cards, pencil cases, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissue boxes, and kids size disposable masks.

Additionally, the group is accepting food donations including juice boxes, individual snack bags such as cookies, chips, goldfish, crackers; fruit cups and fruit sauces, cheese and crackers packs, nutella, jelly, shelf-stable milks, cakes and cookie mixes, cupcake liners and frosting. Also, grocery gift cards of any amount are welcome to help purchase fresh fruit and produce.