DAYTON, Ohio — Between deployments, relocation assignments and the every day stressors of service, finding school supplies might be the last thing that comes to mind for many military families.

However, one organization is helping to make a big difference for military connected children as they head back to class.

What You Need To Know

  • Dayton and Southwest Ohio Chapter of Blue Star Families is hosting Operation Tools for Schools

  • This marks the 5th year for the school supply event

  • Three-hundred children are registered

  • It takes place Friday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hope Hotel

Riley and Maizy Dengel and their mom, Samantha, are soaking in the last few days of summer break.

The Dengels are an Air Force family and have lived in the Dayton area for about a year and a half.

“We are on year 17 — retirement is close,” Samantha Dengel said.

They’ve moved five times, and she understands the difficulties about getting school supplies far too well.

“I teach Kindergarten or preschool and I was able to work at every base so far,” she said.

For a lot of military families, just because you relocate doesn’t meant mean all your things move quickly.

“We came from New Mexico so we had like all short sleeves but it was March here so they were just finishing up snow,” Dengel said.

It can be a stressful situation.

That’s where Geri Maples and the Dayton and Southwest Ohio Chapter of Blue Star Families comes into play.

She’s the director and is getting everything set for the 5th annual Operation Tools for Schools event. 

“This year, we have about 300 students that are registered to receive school supplies which is the highest that it’s been,” Maples said.

The summer months before school starts is typically a time when military families move the most.

These days between high costs for basic necessities, moving expenses and spouse unemployment or underemployment, issues like food insecurity can become a reality.

“Blue Star Families does our annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey each and every year and historically financial stress has been at the top of the list,” said Maples.

Receiving school supplies may seem like a small gesture, but it can leave a major, positive impact.

“To give them supplies like this is super beneficial to them and starts our students off successfully with the tools they need,” Maples said.

The Dengels will be picking up their supplies.

“Join all the for sale pages and spouses pages, don’t be afraid to ask for things. We never had the Blue Star families before so just starting by joining some of the military sites gets you connected to even more,” said Dengel.

Operation Tools for Schools will take place on Friday Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hope Hotel next to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.