TOMS RIVER, N.J. - TelAve -- As back-to-school season approaches, the cost of school supplies can weigh on local parents. To combat this, Ocean County non-profit The HOPE Center is bringing back their annual Tools for School Donation Drive.

From July 1st to August 13th, the organization is collecting school supplies in addition to calls for their usual food pantry offerings. The effort aims to provide essential school supplies to students in Ocean County whose families are facing financial hardship.

"With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to afford even the most basic back-to-school items," said Amy VanBezooijen, Executive Director of The HOPE Center. "Every donation helps a student start the year with the tools they need to succeed."

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The HOPE Center is requesting new school supplies, including backpacks, folders, 1 or 2 inch binders, wide-ruled and college-ruled loose leaf paper, and any other common school supplies.

The HOPE Center's mission is to serve individuals and families in crisis with dignity and compassion, providing for their basic human needs and striving to empower each person to achieve his or her greatest level of self-sufficiency– and providing families with back-to-school supplies is just one way they achieve their mission. The organization also serves the Ocean County community with emergency food, shelter, transportation, and support services.

All donated items will be distributed during The HOPE Center's Tools for School Event on Monday, August 18, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Registered families will be invited to "shop" at their school store-style event.

Donations can be dropped off or mailed to:

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The HOPE Center

253 Chestnut Street

Toms River, NJ 08753

To learn more about donating, volunteering, or registering for the event, call The HOPE Center at 732-341-4447 or send an email to info@houseofhopeocean.org.

About The HOPE Center

The HOPE Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization initiated by the Clergy Association of Greater Toms River. Within a place of hope and faith, the mission of The HOPE Center is to serve families in crisis with dignity and compassion, providing for their basic human needs, and striving to empower each person to achieve his or her greatest level of self-sufficiency. Current hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm. To reach The HOPE Center, call 732-341-4447. After 4pm, for emergency services, please call 211.