News : VAMA again helps area families with school supplies

The VAMA is again collecting school supplies for distribution to area families.

Rev. Connie Wacht's car is filled to the top with backpacks and other school supplies.

Rev. Connie Wacht arrived at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School on Thursday afternoon, her car stuffed to the roof with backpacks, paper, crayons and other school supplies.

Each year the Vinton Area Ministerial Association collects and distributes school supplies to hundreds of area families.

"We have about 700 to 750 families who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program," said Wacht. "Last year we helped approximately 250 families."

This year, she said, more people may need help because of the impact of the July 11 storm.

Volunteers will be sorting the donations throughout the day for distribution during registration next week. Donations can still be taken to the VSHS media center. This year, the Walford Methodist Church also donated several backpacks full of supplies to the project.