GALLIPOLIS — Gallia County families in need will again be able to benefit from a school clothing and supplies program through the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) this summer.

DJFS has been accepting applications since June 27 for the program that provides vouchers for the purchase of school clothing and supplies for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the agency will continue to accept applications until July 7 at 5 p.m.

According to DJFS Director Dana Glassburn, as of Thursday morning, 259 applications had been received at his office, for a total of 479 children, and Glassburn is hopeful that more Gallia County families will take advantage of the program.

“We’re hoping for a lot more,” said Glassburn. “We’re hoping for around 1,200 to 1,300 kids in total.”

Glassburn further indicated that the total funding for the project has not been determined.

“We’re just now receiving letters as far as how much we get for the next three-month period, and that is what we are going to utilize for this project. Then, we’ll be able to determine the exact amount,” Glassburn said. “We’re hoping between $200 and $250 per child.”

The program will allow qualifying families to utilize the funding at participating stores. According to Glassburn, Kmart, Peebles, Fashion Bug and Hibbett Sports of Gallipolis will all be taking part in the program.

Glassburn also indicated that many other local stores were interested in participating in the program but only those stores that accept the DJFS clothing vouchers will be participating this year.

“We have some other stores really interested based on the success last year but ... with the time frame we are looking at, and having to have staff on-site, we just have to go with the stores that will accept our vouchers,” Glassburn said.

Shopping days for the clothing program will be August 8-11, from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. at participating stores.

DJFS staff members will be on-site during the shopping days to verify the types of items being purchased and to assist the stores with the vouchers being used.

“Again, like last year, we are going to have staff on-site to make sure it’s appropriate and goes through the process correctly and quickly,” Glassburn said.

Applications can be obtained and dropped off at the DJFS Office, 848 Third Avenue, Gallipolis, until July 7. DJFS Office hours are from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. According to Glassburn, applications can also be found on the web at gallianet.net.

Proof of school enrollment for children under six years of age and over 17 is required. In addition, applicants will need to provide their last 30 days of household income on the applications.

To contact Gallia County DJFS call (740) 446-3222.