Summer of 2009 was heaven for the students of Washington with months of endless blue-sky days. But for the tens-of-thousands of families who recently lost both incomes and credit the harsh economy cast a dark shadow over the usual summertime fun. Many families could not afford some of the most basic things – like school supplies.
With the average price of almost $50 per child for school supplies we had an unusually high demand for our annual school supplies collection drives. Fortunately we were able to come through. This year we are outfitting over 11,000 young people with a backpack full of school supplies. In addition we’re delivering thousands of pounds of loose supplies to schools with lower income populations. And in Tacoma we outfitted 250 students with school uniforms.
Our collective supplies drive was a monumental feat of organization and promotion. Hats off to our over 50 community collection partners – everyone from banks, to churches, to sports teams and coffee houses. And to the hundreds of volunteers and staff who spent many back-breaking hours lifting, sorting, stuffing and distributing – way to go!
Major thanks to our two credit union partners, BECU who collected supplies at all 43 Puget Sound locations, and Red Canoe Credit Union who collected over 1,200 pounds of supplies and $3000. And to the Seattle Seahawks and Spokane Indians who made our supplies drive a central part of game day. Very special thanks to First Student Bus Company who created a “Stuff the Bus” parade float to promote the drive.
Finally thanks to all those who contributed. Thousands of families and kids are still feeling the tough economic reality and now more than ever depend on their neighbors and communities to help through. If you didn’t get a chance to contribute during the drive consider donating here. Don’t let another child fall through the cracks!