Beech Acres collecting back-to-school supplies

With the first day of school just around the corner, Beech Acres Parenting Center is collecting backpacks, school supplies and other essentials to help local students head back to the classroom ready to succeed.

The nonprofit, which provides behavioral health services in schools, parent coaching and foster and kinship care, is accepting donations through Aug. 11 as part of its annual Equip-A-Kid campaign.  The organization encourages donors to fill a backpack with supplies and has shopping lists for elementary, middle and high school students, along with an online wish list.

Items needed include backpacks, binders, pencils, erasers, washable markers, cleaning wipes and other classroom supplies. Beech Acres also is collecting therapy items, including sensory toys, coloring books, games and snacks, as well as basic hygiene products such as toothpaste and soap.

In addition to school supplies, the nonprofit is accepting monetary donations for its emergency fund, which helps client families pay for urgent needs such as housing, transportation, clothing and food.

Donations can be dropped off at Beech Acres locations in downtown Cincinnati, on Glenmore Avenue and in Lebanon or made online.

“Beech Acres is focused on helping children reach their endless potential, so we’re excited for our annual Equip-A-Kid campaign to gather what children need to learn, increase their confidence and reduce stress, especially for the critical first few weeks of the school year,” Jordan Huizenga, VP development, said in a statement.