Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry’s initiative to provide 1,154 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) clients with a $50 Discount Drug Mart, Inc. merchandise card was approved by Summit County Council.  The merchandise cards will provide eligible TANF clients with the opportunity to purchase school supplies for children, ages 5 through 7.  Eligible TANF clients will be notified by mail in July. 
 Discount Drug Mart, Inc. is an Ohio based company that specializes in the distribution of school and office supplies.

.The merchandise cards may only be used at the following Summit County Discount Drug Mart, Inc. locations:
  711 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312
  655 West Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
  5863 Darrow Road, Hudson, Ohio 44236
 044 Fishcreek Road, Stow, Ohio 44224

 The $54,815 (after a $2,885 vendor discount) initiative is being financed through Executive Pry’s Department of Job and Family Services.

 “Through this initiative, kindergarten students will have the essential tools needed to thrive in a learning environment,” said Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry.  “I am very excited that we were able to provide this unique service to local children.”

 Under Executive Pry’s direction, the County of Summit will also be purchasing 190 JCPenney merchandise cards. The merchandise cards, valued at $150 each, will be distributed to victims of domestic violence as a way to provide the citizens with an opportunity to purchase necessary household items.  The $26,806 (after a $1,693.05 vendor discount) initiative is also being financed through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families dollars.  

 “Only victims enrolled in programs being facilitated by the Battered Women’s Shelter and the Victim Assistance Program will be eligible to access the merchandise cards,” added Pry.

 For more information on merchandise card distribution, contact Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry’s Department of Job and Family Services at 330-643-7095.