Saturday August 8th:  10 am - 6 pm @ Walmart - Waynesville

For a child, the first day of school brings a familiar exhilaration: seeing old friends and trading summer stories; meeting new classmates and charming the teacher. Students confidently approach the new school year with enthusiasm when armed with a backpack full of brand-new school supplies.

However, if students don't have these new school supplies, it can be a difficult transition to the new school year.  Altrusa International, Inc. of Waynesville and Haywood Rotary club will be spearheading a drive to collect school supplies for needy children in Haywood County.  

Every year, Altrusa International of Waynesville combines forces with the Haywood Rotary and the Haywood Schools Foundation to collect school supplies from the community for donation to the Haywood County Schools Foundation in late August.

Download a flyer with school supply list here:  School Supply Drive Wish List

On Saturday August 8^{th –}, from 10 am to 6 pm, Altrusa members will be available at Wal-Mart in Waynesville to accept donations of new school supplies.   This is tax free weekend for school supply shopping so you can maximize your tax-deductible donation !  Haywood Rotary Club members will also be on hand the same day at Wal-Mart to receive donations.  Cash donations of any size will also be welcome to purchase additional supplies for the children.   All supplies and funds collected will be distributed by the Haywood County Schools Foundation to students in need by the start of the school year.  

We are excited to help students in Haywood County begin the new school year with the necessary school supplies to be successful”, said Sarah Wenzel, committee chairman.  “Any time that civic organizations and the school system can partner to provide opportunities for children, we need to participate in any way possible.”  “We are excited this year that the Foundation has included our project as a part of the Save A Teacher campaign.”

There will be labeled collection boxes at Wal-Mart from Sat Aug 8 - Sat Aug 15th for your convenience to drop off supplies at any time.  

Please pick a few extra supplies as you shop to support youth and education and help all kids start the school year with a fresh outlook and a well-stocked backpack.    

The staff at the Haywood county schools have specifically requested the following supplies: 

*Before or after August 8^th, donations may be sent or delivered directly to the

Haywood County Schools Foundation

(c/o Altrusa/Rotary School Supply Drive) at: