Late summer is the time of year when children around the country prepare for the new school year. For most, excitement is high with the promise of seeing old friends and meeting new friends. Many children also relish the joy of walking into their new classrooms with backpacks full of brand new school supplies, unused and almost sparkling! Many children look forward to that, but not all do. Some families have encountered hard times and finances are low. Sometimes finances are so low that even a box of crayons is more than can be afforded. For those of us who are blessed with work and a steady income, there are ways to help children who want and need to fit in with their peers by walking into school on the first day with all of their required school supplies. Better yet, brand new school supplies.
Donate Extra School Supplies to Local Churches and Charities
When shopping for your own children’s school supplies, pick up as many extras as you are able to afford. You can do this in various ways. For example, you might choose to stock up on several boxes of crayons and markers that are currently on sale. Or you might choose to buy one or two extra of every item on your child’s school supply list. Once you have collected extra school supplies, drop them off at local churches or community charities. Even if that church or charity is not participating in a school supply drive, they will know who to get the supplies to.
Donate to Schools in Low Income Areas
Take extra school supplies to schools in low income areas near you. In fact, the schools need not necessarily be in low income areas. There are plenty of middle class families who sometimes find themselves in need of assistance. Never assume that a middle class suburb, for example, has no one that could use a bit of help. Again, my suggestion is to go straight to the schools with your extra school supplies. Even if the office personnel is uncertain of what to do with your gift, there will certainly be teachers around who will be delighted to take what their classrooms need from your supply.
Adopt-A-Classroom
Check out adoptaclassroom.org on the Web. This website allows you to locate specific classrooms and teachers in your area that are requesting donations for the school year.
Keep in mind the importance of going to school prepared. Give a child that added nudge toward a lifelong love of learning. Help a child go to school with confidence and pride.
