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TOP PHOTO: The ADFAC Staff celebrates this year’s total number of students served, 6,414. Left to right Becky Hook, Angie Jacobo, Zoe Applegate and Shannon Skeens.
OAK RIDGE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- The Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC ) School Supply Program is celebrating the significant impact and success of this year’s program providing new backpacks and school supplies to 6,414 students ranging in age from preschool to high school. It’s been another record year as this program continues to grow and expand the service area, having added three new schools in 2026.
While final numbers are still being calculated, the School Supply Program has invested an estimated retail value of $212,500 this year, while having only spent $116,500 due to shopping in bulk, online sales and in part due to many in kind donations of needed supplies. In fact, purchases are being made now preparing for next year’s distribution. It’s a year-long project that culminates each summer and results in smiles on the faces of area students.
Eligible students, identified by staff at each of the 55 participating schools located in Campbell, Anderson, Morgan, and Roane Counties, received a backpack full of school and grade specific supplies. And, we aren’t talking a standard looking backpack – as great care is taken to ensure the ADFAC backpacks are as diverse as the number of students we serve.
Led by ADFAC’s School Supply Program Coordinator, Becky Hook, this program is celebrating 33 years helping disadvantaged students starting school on an even playing field with their peers. According to Hook, “we just really want every student in our area to have what they need to be ready to learn. Self-reliance begins in childhood. A student can feel self-confident and ready to learn by having the right materials in their own backpack. Improved mental health can also lead to improved school performance.” Hook was joined by additional ADFAC staff members Shannon Skeens, and two summer assistants Zoe Applegate, and Angie Jacobo, who greatly contributed this year’s successful distribution.
According to parent feedback, the financial impact of back to school was lessoned significantly through this program:
“Thank you so much for the backpack and supplies! He loves his new Minecraft backpack.” – Jacksboro Elementary Parent
And, the comments from school personnel are another validation of the importance of this program:
“Students are excited to receive the backpacks. Having these supplies and backpacks motivates students to come to school and work hard. Parents/caregivers are so appreciative of the backpacks and supplies. It relieves a possible financial burden.” – Rhonda Cross, school counselor, Jacksboro Elementary School
“With help from ADFAC, students face fewer barriers when entering school and can feel confident and included because they have the same essentials as their classmates.” – Sandra Kidwell, Family Resource Director, White Oak Elementary School
The School Supply Program’s success is highly dependent on a robust group of 359 volunteers who sorted, counted, packed, loaded, and delivered supplies for a total of 790 volunteer hours. According to Hook, “Our volunteers are what make this program possible. We had young volunteers with their parents and seniors in their eighties and all ages in between. We have so many organizations and individuals that continue to support us year after year. We even had residents in assisted living helping to bundle pencils and stamp grade levels on tags. We simply could not do what we do without the support of so many volunteers.”
The financial and in kind support provided by grantors, church groups, service clubs, corporations, and individuals is the backbone of this program. This year’s financial support was led by Morgan County Community Foundation and Norris Area Community Foundation through the East Tennessee Foundation, Variety of Eastern Tennessee, William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust, UT Battelle, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, CNS Y-12, Altrusa, Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club, Tennessee Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Modern Wealth Management and United Way support from Campbell, Anderson, Morgan and Roane Counties.
The monetary support during the planning and distribution is invaluable, but so is the support throughout the year, especially during the post-back-to-school season when supplies are on sale. Right now is a great time to make a contribution to the ADFAC School Supply Program as purchases are already being made in preparation for next year’s distribution. Monetary donations can be made online ADFAC School Supply Program or sent to ADFAC School Supplies, P.O. Box 5953, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831.
The School Supply Program is one of three programs provided by ADFAC, which began in the mid 1980’s as a local ecumenical effort to assist impoverished families. Over the years, ADFAC has honored its roots by developing a broad variety of programs designed to meet unfilled needs in the community and currently answers over 7,000 requests for assistance each year. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/26/2026-6AM-PHOTO SUBMITTED)