Whether you dreaded it or treasured it, the first day of school always meant freshly sharpened pencils, multicolored crayons, and binders full of crisp loose-leaf paper. To ensure that level of readiness for Centennial School District students, the Warrington Staples donated them 1,068 school supply kits.

The Warrington effort raised more than $5,000 from its customers.

The store then collaborated with The Greater BucksMont Chamber of Commerce and the Centennial Education Foundation to determine recipients. Store manager Tom Pagan delivered the items personally to:

• McDonald Elementary
• William Davis Elementary
• Willow Dale Elementary

“I’m very grateful to our customers and colleagues who were so happy and eager to donate,” said Pagan. “Before you knew it, we were able to donate over a thousand school supply kits.”

Catherine A. Perkins, Ed. D., principal, Willow Dale Elementary School, stated: “The pandemic has created a hardship for so many of our families, and through the donation of supplies, we are able to have a great start to the school year with supplies for all students who are in need.”

With the start of the school year looming, funds for this outreach are still being accepted. Donations can be made in person at the store (1075 Main Street, Warrington) or online, using the store locator.