Long school supply lists can be overwhelming for parents and their students, but the community of Sampson County is showing up for all its youngsters, offering drives that will provide school supplies until they run out.
Both Saturday Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 school supply drives are being offered in Clinton, Salemburg, Roseboro, Newton Grove, Plain View, and Autryville. There are many options for school supplies this year, whether your child needs a backpack, pencils, or school clothes. Churches, restaurants, and other organizations are having back-to-school drives to help celebrate and prepare all children for the 2026-27 school year.
Clinton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wesley Johnson stressed the importance of community relationships for the success of all students, and his gratitude for the many supply drives providing “much needed” support to students and families. He explained that the start of a new school year can be a difficult time for students, and celebratory community events and support help ease the transition back to the classroom and make this time of year more fun.
Sampson County Superintendent Dr. Jamie King stressed his gratitude to all those in the community who support students through supply drives.
“Their generosity helps remove barriers for families and ensures more students can focus on learning rather than worrying about whether they have the materials they need,” he expressed about the impact these drives have on student success.
King emphasized how school supply drives “truly demonstrate that educating our children is a shared community responsibility.”
There will also be a clothing drive Aug. 8 through Harbor of Grace Outreach. Founder Angela Walton stressed wanting all children to have much needed clothes for school. She shared there will be many options available.
“The response has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown. We have received clothing in all sizes and for every season,” she said. Each child and teen will have the opportunity to select items to fill one bag with clothing, which will be given on a first come first serve basis, and Walton encourages families to take advantage of these resources.
Many of these events include food and activities for kids as well, and the Back-to-School Bash at Cedar Point Disciples of Christ Church is offering free haircuts to students.
When asked what supplies are the most important for students to have at the start of the year, Johnson said three ring binders, subject dividers, loose leaf paper, and something to write with were the priority, with glue sticks and highlighters being important at the elementary level as well
He also explained the importance of nutrition for students’ success, highlighting the importance of community programs like Backpack Buddies, and his gratitude to churches supporting the schools with prayer walks. The city schools superintendent also stressed that any community members who think they could benefit students as mentors or volunteers should reach out to him, and that any and all community contributions are valuable to the school system.
Both superintendents emphasized the importance of the community taking part in educating its children and how supply drives are a vital part in students’ success, and encouraged families to take advantage of all the resources available through these drives.