Realtors launch annual school supplies drive

The Ulster County Board of Realtors’ Community Service Committee has launched its annual Operation Backpack, a fundraising drive for school supplies for local children who are in need financially.

The Ulster County Board of Realtors, or UCBR, is seeking financial and school supply donations through Aug. 19.

“Last year, the UCBR was able to raise enough money to purchase and fill backpacks for 375 children throughout Ulster County,” Nan Potter, chairwoman of the Community Service Committee, said in a press release. “We are asking for donations of $10, enough to fill a backpack; $25, enough to buy a case of pencils or crayons; or $100, enough to purchase 25 backpacks. Any amount is appreciated.”

For those who would prefer to donate items, the organization is accepting pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, erasers, tissues, Clorox wipes, calculators and other school-related items.

Monetary donations can be made out to Ulster County Board of Realtors (Operation Backpack) and mailed to the board at 74 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Drop-off locations for school supplies are: the Board of Realtors, 74 Broadway, Kingston; Weichert Realtors/The Spiesman Group, 223 Boices Lane, town of Ulster; Potter Realty, 1 John St., Kingston; Century 21 Alliance, 203 Main St., New Paltz; Hello Dolly Real Estate, 81

Vineyard Ave., Highland; and Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty, 11-13 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock.

People who need donations picked up or have

questions should call Sheena Lepez at (845) 6162509.

Additional drop-off locations are the Sawyer Savings Bank branches at 85-87 Market St., Saugerties, 3515 U.S. Route 9W, Highland, and 2 Riverview Drive, Marlboro.