Foundation of YRMC’s school supplies drive begins Monday

The Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center’s 20th annual Drive for School Supplies launches on Monday, and the anniversary carries a lot of meaning for many of those who are behind the event.

Rachael Barkley, a member of the executive board of the foundation, said multiple generations of families have benefited from the drive, which provides a backpack full of supplies for nearly every child enrolled in Yuma County’s school districts who needs one, as well as the San Pasqual schools in Winterhaven.

And the same volunteer who led the charge when the charge began in 1999 is still on board today.

“Her name’s Gloria, and she’s just wonderful at keeping everybody on track when we’re stuffing those backpacks,” Barkley said.

Though the campaign officially runs July 1-30, it has already received a $650 check from First Bank Yuma, and Alexander Ford continues as a major supporter this year.

This year the cost of a backpack is $13, when you combine a $5 backpack from Walgreens and $8 of notebooks, pencils and other essentials from Hoppstetter’s Office Products, both provided at a discount.

This year’s goal is to assemble 6,000 backpacks, slightly more than last year. “I feel like the need is the same or greater than it was last year,” she said.

The community can make monetary contributions as well as donate supplies directly.

Online donations can be made via: https://www. yumaregional.org/ForThe-Community/Foundation/Ways-To-Donate/ Monetary-Gifting. Be sure to select “Drive for School Supplies” under “Type of Donation.”

Donors can pay by phone by calling the foundation at 928-336-7045. The foundation can also be contacted for more information, including on how to participate as a volunteer.

Checks can be mailed to: Foundation of YRMC, 2400 S. Avenue A, Yuma, AZ 85364.

Donations of supplies can be dropped off at the YRMC Corporate Center, 399 W. 32nd St., Yuma.

Also, a fundraising “takeover” will be held 4-8 p.m. July 18 at Lutes Casino, 221 S Main St., in downtown Yuma.

For more information, check the “Drive for School Supplies” page on Facebook.