12th Annual Back to School Supplies Drive Underway at Edward Jones

For the 12th consecutive year, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chris Cinella is collecting school supplies for local children who need them. All supplies will be given to Melrose families who require the extra help or are being served by the Red Cross and the Melrose Emergency Fund. Beginning today, July 25, community members can drop off donations at the Edward Jones office located at 502 Main Street until Monday, August 22. 

“I continue to be very grateful to the community for their generosity as the collection drive grows each year,” said Cinella. “When I started this program, in the first year we received a couple dozen backpacks and supplies. For the last few years, we have filled two Department of Public Works dump trucks,” said Cinella. “It amounts to about 130 backpacks filled with school supplies.” 

According to an annual KPMG survey, the average parent’s spending per student is expected to spend as much as $380 this back-to-school season, compared to $270 in 2021 partly due to inflation. This figure does not include other costs such as extracurricular supplies like sporting equipment or art supplies. 

“Just as the amount of donations have grown, so too has the need. Small things, like a new backpack or a fresh box of crayons, make a big difference to children. Our older students need specific calculators and other more technical supplies. These donations are a simple but powerful way for every Melrosian to help children have a great first day of school. I am grateful to Chris Cinella for organizing this program year after year,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. 

All types of school supplies are welcome, particularly pencils, pens, crayons, markers, erasers, notebooks, paper, binders, folders, backpacks, lunchboxes, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, staplers, calculators, headphones, and dry erase markers. Gift cards to stores that offer school supplies are especially welcome. 

Supplies will be distributed to Melrose families through their local school. Families should contact their respective school principal to pick up supplies needed. 

The Edward Jones office is located at 502 Main Street and donated supplies may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.