Ah, the end of summer. For kids, school is fast approaching, bringing with it new teachers, tests, and homework. For parents, its a time for back-to-school shopping so that their little learners can have a fair chance of picking up the material teachers will offer.
Unfortunately for many parents in our state, necessary school supplies can be a financial burden that they can’t easily bear. But Communities In Schools affiliates around the state have teamed up with some benevolent businesses in their area to put on supply drives that will take this burden off parents and give their kids a fair chance at learning.
In an event called “Bridge the Gap”, Communities In Schools of Renton connected with Highlands Community Church to provide backpacks and supplies to youth in their area. The distribution took place on August 21st and saw that over 300 full backpacks where put on the shoulders of kids that needed them. Communities In Schools of Kent has another backpack drive on the way. In partnership with The Kiwanis Club of Kent and the Kent Food Bank, CIS Kent hopes to give out 400 backpacks on August 30th.
Communities In Schools of Auburn has teamed up with the SuperMall, and together have created the “Earning for Learning” campaign. From August 15 through October 5, mall shoppers and diners can earn points for their school of choice. Bonus points come with the donation of purchased clothing or a cash gift of $10 or more to CIS Auburn.
Also in the supply drive spirit, Red Canoe Credit Union teamed up with both Communities In Schools of Federal Way and Communities In Schools of Puyallup. This annual event, called “Fill the Canoe”, invites participants to–well–fill a canoe with school supplies. Red Canoe C.U. will then donate a dollar for every pound of school supplies that their canoe collects.
Be sure to check in with your local Communities In Schools affiliate for information on supply drives happening near you.