According to The Family Place Volunteer Coordinator and In-Kind Donations Manager Sara Brigger,
“Did you know that parents are expected to spend an average of $579 per child on back-to-school items this year?
“Going back to school should be an exciting time — shopping for school supplies, picking out a new backpack, shopping for new uniforms. For many families, the start of a new school year provides new challenges. Families often come to The Family Place with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Because they are fleeing family violence, many personal items are left behind, including essential school supplies and clothing. We know that access to school supplies has a great impact on a child’s academic success.
“Last year, The Family Place supported over 1,300 children who were staying with us in the shelter, providing countless uniforms and school supplies through our ‘Fill Their Backpacks’ campaign. While families are in our care, we provide all of their basic needs, as well as provide counseling and support to start new lives free of violence. This year we expect to serve as many children, if not more, and hope the community can help.
“As you prepare your children for the school year, please consider making a difference in the lives to the children in our care. We have created an Amazon Wish List to make shopping easy; our biggest needs are clear backpacks, pocket folders, notebooks, crayons, markers, colored pencils, No.2 pencils, pens and child safe-scissors. Or let us do the shopping for you by making a donation.
“Your generosity and support will ensure that our children have everything they need for a confident and successful school year.
“Now through Friday, August 9, community members can shop our Amazon Wish List by clicking here or make a donation to our ‘Fill the Backpack’ campaign through our website.”
* Photo provided by The Family Place