Lincoln County students, including more than 226 who attended a recent back-to school event at the Newport Elks Lodge, returned to school last week with smiles on their faces and backpacks full of supplies thanks to donations from several organizations.

During the month of August, charitable groups and businesses across Lincoln County collected and distributed school supplies to children and youth. Some sites passed out clothing and food, and sponsored information booths about community resources.

Back-to-school shopping can be stressful and a financial burden on families. The donations helped hundreds of students prepare for school.

The Lincoln County School District thanked the following organizations for their donations: Newport Elks Lodge, Ocean Unity, Atonement Lutheran Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport Rotary Club volunteers, Ladies of the Toledo Methodist Church, Toledo Foursquare Church, Faith Baptist Lincoln City, The Donation Station, Coastal Vineyard Church of Lincoln City, Seashore Family Literacy, Mo’s Restaurant of Lincoln City, and many other organizations and individuals.