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WHEELING, W.Va. – The Glessner Group, an accounting, insurance, and wealth management group based in Wheeling, has teamed up with the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley to ensure students have a chance to head back to the classroom feeling confident and prepared. The Glessner Group Every Kid Counts Back to School Initiative will provide clothing vouchers to families of students in Ohio and Marshall Counties based on an application process. The Glessner Group is kicking off the initiative with a $10,000 donation to establish the fund. Businesses and individuals in the community are invited to donate to the Every Kid Counts Back to School Initiative which will allow the program to serve the maximum number of students and families. “The Glessner Group is excited to kick off this program that we hope will make a difference for the families in our community,” said Gary W. Glessner, CPA and President/CEO of The Glessner Group. “When I had heard that so many students were going to be starting the school year without the clothing assistance that so many families have come to rely on, I felt the need to step in and help.” “When the United Way was contacted by The Glessner Group we were excited to partner with Gary and his associates to help drive this initiative forward,” said Staci Stephen, Executive Director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. “We have a similar program in Belmont County with the Department of Job and Family Services and the Community Action Commission where we have received an extraordinary response in applications, demonstrating the need of so many families in the region.” Applications will open on Wednesday, August 12, and will close on Wednesday, August 19, or when the application response exceeds the amount of funding available. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and are approved based on whether families are receiving assistance from Temporary Assistance from Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and/or Medicaid benefits. Applications will be posted on the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley website under the “Community News & Events” section on the home page. After completing the process, applicants will receive an email within five business days regarding their status. Families who have been approved for the clothing voucher program will receive information regarding voucher redemption and the terms and conditions of the Ohio Valley Mall clothing vouchers. If an applicant does not hear about their application status after five business days they may contact the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. Program sponsors include The Glessner Group and Expand Energy. Individuals and businesses wishing to donate to the Glessner Group Every Kid Counts Back to School Initiative can contact United Way Executive Director Staci Stephen by calling (304) 232-4625. Read the full article