A backpack full of supplies is a small thing to most of us. To a family counting every dollar in August, it is the difference between a child walking into class ready and a child walking in behind. This year our School Supply Drive runs alongside the Gunter Food Pantry, and we are collecting for students across four districts.
When and Where
Saturday, August 1, 10:00–11:30 AM at Valley Church of Christ, 121 East College St in Gunter. Free school supplies for students, handed out alongside our regular food pantry, while supplies last. No sign-up, no paperwork, no questions asked — just come by. Everyone is welcome.
How to Donate
The drop-off box closes Friday, July 31. It sits at the metal building next to the church. Anything on the lists below helps, and you do not need to fill a whole kit — a single pack of pencils matters.
Prefer to shop from your couch? Our Amazon supply list shows exactly what is still needed and how many, so nothing gets over-bought. Order it to your home, then drop it in the box by July 31.
Shopping in town? Walmart’s back-to-school sale is running now, which is the cheapest these items get all year.
What’s Needed Most
Across all four districts, the same handful of items come up on nearly every grade’s list: #2 pencils, glue sticks, crayons, wide-ruled composition notebooks, black Expo dry erase markers, plastic folders with brads and pockets, tissues, disinfecting wipes, and zipper bags. Backpacks are the single most requested item and the one families are least able to replace.
Your School’s Supply List
Every campus publishes its own list. Find your child’s school below — or use these to shop for a student you know.
Gunter ISD
Gunter Elementary (PreK–5) ·
Gunter Middle School (6–8)
All lists: gunterisd.org. High school lists come from teachers the first week of school. Students in Algebra 1 and above need a graphing calculator — these may also be rented from the librarian.
Van Alstyne ISD
Partin Elementary ·
Sanford Elementary ·
Williams Elementary
Van Alstyne Middle School (5–6) ·
Van Alstyne Junior High (7–8)
Van Alstyne Pre-K families: the campus provides everything except a nap mat and a backpack, and keeps spares of both.
Howe ISD
All Howe ISD supply lists — Summit Hill Elementary (PreK–4) and Howe Middle School (5–8)
Howe Middle 5th graders need USB-C headphones specifically, not the 3.5mm kind.
Tioga ISD
Tioga Elementary (PreK–5)
All lists: tiogaisd.net. Middle and high school supplies come from teachers directly.
Questions
Contact Cooper Queen at 903.819.0416 — he can answer anything about donating, the drop-off box, or getting supplies for your family.
“He answered and said to them, He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” — Luke 3:11