Lacey Veterans Services Hub launches school supply drive with Travis Manion Foundation 

Back-to-school planning turned into a supply drive in the City of Lacey, as the Travis Manion Foundation and the Lacey Veterans Services Hub partnered to stock and distribute school supplies to local families. 

The services hub announced the effort on Thursday, Aug. 28, saying the “Back to School” resource table was set up to provide students with free learning tools before the new school year. 

Items distributed included free backpacks, notebooks, water bottles and other essential supplies. 

The partners said the new initiative is intended “to ease the burden on parents and ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.” 

The Travis Manion Foundation honors U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed in Iraq on April 29, 2007.

The foundation has more than 300,000 members, who are known as Spartans. It carries forward Manion’s legacy through veteran-led service projects, leadership programs and community initiatives under the motto “If Not Me, Then Who…”

The collaboration with the services hub extends the mission locally through volunteer-led events. 

According to the announcement, the partnership “highlights the Travis Manion Foundation’s commitment to going above and beyond in support of families” in Thurston County. 

It further stated the collaboration with the Travis Manion Foundation has “positively impacted countless lives, strengthening community connections and ensuring local families feel supported and prepared.” 

Alongside the announcement, the services hub also launched a new Facebook page to connect veterans and families with services, housing programs and benefits.  

Volunteers, described as “the heart of everything we do,” are acknowledged with greeting visitors and guiding them to available resources. 

Interested volunteers can register through an online form.