Need a backpack and school supplies? How about clothing or shoes, or even some extra food in your kitchen? Not to worry, Kanawha County Schools wants to make sure students are prepared in all areas to comfortably receive their education. The beginning of a new school year is exciting, but at the same time it can put a lot of stress on parents' wallets. KCS has an array of support from the community and local programs to make sure our students can be well taken care of in and out of school.  “It’s very important that students have all the materials and supplies they need at the beginning of the school year,” said Ed Ivy, Director of Attendance and Social Services. “They need to have the opportunity to start the semester out on the right foot.”  Ivy said the community has played a big role in gathering supplies for students. WCHS TV held their annual “Backpack Attack,” which brought in a great deal of supplies for students in Kanawha and surrounding counties. “I know there have been several organizations in the community like 98.7 the
Beat and Rock 105 radio stations who have held school supply giveaways,” Ivy added.  Abundant Life Church in Charleston gave about 500 back packs full of supplies, he said.  Ivy said while many of the organizations distribute the materials themselves, students and parents can contact attendance and social work offices at their schools for information on how to get needed supplies.  Patti Shaffer, the assistant attendance director at Capitol High said they try to work with the whole student, “home, family and school,” she explained.  “We want to meet our students basic needs so when they come to school they can focus on their education,” Shaffer said. “Last year there was an underprivileged student who was interested in the school band, but didn’t have a way to attend the practices," she recalled. We arranged transportation for her so she could participate.We can find counseling, transportation, financial help, or really anything that a student might need to be their best.”  Attendance directors are given a quick list at the beginning of each year to help parents and students find the best places to access help around the community.  Shaffer said she has distributed the basics like pencils and notebooks and has even provided students with alarm locks, which help some with arriving on time.  “A lot of students have so much to deal with at home, but when they come to school we want them to be able to perform their best,” she said.  Kanawha County, in conjunction with the United Way, even offers a shoe program where those in need are given a gift card to Payless Shoes.  “What we don’t have on-hand to give them, we can find it somewhere in the community,” said Shaffer.  Simply put, no student must do without the necessities for school thanks to the generosity of the schools and community.