COLUMBUS - The Columbus community is once again banding together to help out area school children.

For the second consecutive year, the Comfort Closets initiative is collecting donations for a variety of items for elementary, middle, and high school students in Columbus and Schuyler. Next Generation Kiwanis member Christine Arasmith says that the drive began after committee members from Thrivent Financial saw basic needs being provided out of the pockets of school teachers.

"They realized there were a lot of students coming to schools without basic items as far as food in the morning, hygiene items," Arasmith said. "A lot of the time what we found was some of the teachers were supplying items out of their own pockets."

Items that are being accepted include healthy snacks, toothbrushes, school supplies, shampoo, and a variety of other basic needs. Arasmith says that these sorts of donations help students to be more alert and engaged.

"It's really made differences, the kids aren't hungry so they can focus on school, they have all of the supplies that they need to do projects, so they feel more engaged in the school setting, so the families have been very thankful" Arasmith said. 

Donations are currently being accepted, and can be dropped off at any of the locations below. A community event will also be held on Saturday, August 3rd from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the 1C Church to sort and pack the items for each school. Those wanting to volunteer for the event can contact Ginger at 308-224-0189, or can send an email to dginger20@gmail.com.

Drop-Off Locations:

- Columbus Motor Company: 2806 23rd Street

- Agri-City Insurance: 2457 33rd Avenue

- Driver Chiropractic Clinic: 2107 23rd Street

- Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce: 753 33rd Avenue

- Thrivent Financial - Melanie Knoepfle: 1468 25th Avenue

- Colfax County Attorney's Office: 412 E. 11th Street, Schuyler