August is all about the back-to-school race to get the best supplies. But for those who can't afford everything on the list, it can be a frustrating time. So two Cincinnati-area women have stepped up to help out.

Stephanie Coffey, a social worker at the Hopple Street Neighborhood Health Center, and volunteer Dayna Ritchey have teamed up to organize an official Back-to-School Supply and Uniform Drive for the health center. Their aim is to provide school supplies, backpacks, and new or used uniforms for 3,000 local children. It's important for the children to receive the supplies they need to succeed in school, Ritchey said.

The Hopple Street Neighborhood Health Center is a nonprofit joint effort between Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati, several social service agencies and the North Fairmount community. The goal of the center is to provide close-to-home primary pediatric care services to North Fairmount, Price Hill and Over-the-Rhine children.

Coffey had been previously trying to gather school supplies on her own for the children who came by the center. But the donations given by close friends and family were never enough. Ritchie, who was tuned into the needs of the community, wanted to help. So this year the two women decided to get organized and help as many children as possible.

The drive will be set up four weekend days in August in local Wal-Mart parking lots. The first drive took place on Fields Ertel Road. Fliers were passed out explaining the drive, and volunteers took donations on the spot. The drive was successful, filling seven boxes with supplies and taking in more than $100 in gift cards and cash. If you are looking to participate, there's still one more weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Wal-Mart on Tylersville Road in West Chester Township, and Aug. 22 at the Wal-Mart in Western Hills, volunteers will be taking donations from noon to 4 p.m. on both days. Boxes have also been set up at the Hopple Street Neighborhood Health Center for donations.

Ritchey hopes to distribute the supplies next week. Residents are eligible as long as they are patients of the Hopple Street center.

For more information, call 541-4500. Or, if you would like to drop off donations at the health center, it's at 2750 Beekman Ave., at Hopple and Beekman in North Fairmount. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

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