PAWHUSKA, Okla. -- First United Methodist Church and Osage Nation are teaming up to provide school supplies for the entire Pawhuska school district.
The church in Pawhuska started collecting money for school supplies 14 years ago.
"We buy in bulk which saves us money, we shop at Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, wherever we can get the best price," said Sherry Williams, with First United Methodist Church.
Originally, $1,000 helped 100 kids in the community. Now more than a decade later, their pot of gold is worth more than $6,000.
"The word got out in the community and the banks, the churches, individuals all started donating money," said Williams.
Their supplies range from pre-K to seniors in high school.
"Everything from pens and pencils, paper, notebooks, binders, Play-Doh, Kindermats, blankets," said Williams.
When they heard about the need in Pawhuska school district, they stepped in to help.
"School supplies are expensive, and it’s difficult for people to buy them and we just found it as a way to help," said Williams.
Combining their cash with Osage Nation, who annually provides school supplies to Native American students, every student will be taken care of.
"When you go buy school supplies and it costs you 80 to 100 dollars in school supplies, and back to school clothing, and the hair cuts, it just all adds up on families," said David Cash, Superintendent of Pawhuska schools.
The supplies are kept in the classroom, so they'll show up on the first day and be ready to go. The first day of school for the district is August 22.
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