Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo (left) stands with Greenwood School District 50 Superintendent Dr. Darrell Johnson after delivering donated school supplies.
Greenwood, S.C.; August 16, 2016 – Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Tuesday that his office distributed donated school supplies to every school district in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry and Abbeville counties.The school supplies were collected through the Diversion programs of the Solicitor’s Office, including Pre-Trial Intervention and the Alcohol Education Program.
Participants in those programs have the opportunity to donate school supplies in lieu of a portion of their community service hours.
Solicitor Stumbo explained it is an opportunity for participants of those programs to learn to give back to their communities.
“This is at the heart of the concept of restorative justice,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “We have included the school supply drive so that those who have been ‘takers’ from our community can experience the joy of giving back to the most vulnerable and needy amongst us.”
The program began initially as a backpack drive, but was eventually expanded to include all school supplies.
Solicitor Stumbo and his staff distributed the supplies to each school district in the four counties of the Eighth Circuit: Abbeville District 60; Greenwood Districts 50, 51 (Ware Shoals), and 52 (Ninety Six); Laurens Districts 55 and 56 (Clinton); Newberry District 1; and Calhoun Falls Charter School.
“I am honored to serve the families of the 8th Circuit, and our school supply drive is a chance to make a contribution outside the courtroom,” said Solicitor Stumbo. “Education is extremely important, and our kids need the proper supplies regardless of what background they come from, so that they can do well in their studies and be prepared to succeed as adults. We are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with our local schools in this effort.”
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