RIPON – Pencils, dry erasers, tissues, hand sanitizers, paper clips and sporting equipment are among the item needed in Love Ripon’s school supply drive.

The community-wide event will take place on Sept. 29.

Last Tuesday, Ripon City Councilman Chuck Winn welcomed all clubs, churches, families and individuals to get involved in the giving, caring and cleaning up project.

“We also have some kid-friendly projects,” he added.

An earlier Love Ripon was held last April. Folks here spent part of that day volunteering their time to donate food, visit a convalescent home, giving blood, or join one of the teams to do various chores around town.

The experience was memorable for many, including Ripon Mayor Elden ‘Red’ Nutt.

“If you’ve never did (Love Ripon) before it’s worth it – you’ll meet new people while doing a good deed,” he said.

Along with the school supply drive, Love Ripon will again have a food drive to help the needy.

Love Ripon was modeled after Love Modesto that kicked off in 2009 with 1,200 people showing their love for the city in practical ways. Organizers, two years earlier, had asked questions as to why Modesto was on the “worse cities in America” lists along with “what if churches were to disappear suddenly from the area?”

This year, Ripon joined other communities using the same “Love” model, including Escalon, Ceres, Oakdale, Tracy and Stockton.

Winn, who, along with coordinator Dan Rowe and Matt Householder, are hoping to get as many people out for the fall Love Ripon event that kicks off at 9 a.m. in front of the Community Center.

“Project leaders will meet their teams there,” he said.

Love Ripon is scheduled to conclude efforts by 12:30 p.m.

“Chuck is not just out blowing wind – he’s also out there helping out (during Love Ripon),” Councilman Dean Uecker said.

For more information, log on to www.loveripon.com.