Tags: Social justice

Where to Donate School Supplies

By: Dani Vachon    //    Posted on: 24-08-2023

As the calendar turns to September and the back-to-school season is upon us, it’s a good time to support students and teachers by donating school supplies. Many families face financial challenges when it comes to preparing their children for a new academic year.

Providing students with the necessary tools for learning makes a meaningful impact on their education. You can help bridge the resource gap that often exists in schools, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

If you are wondering how you can help kids and families in need this year, here we have covered various options for donating school supplies.

How to donate school supplies

Local schools and school districts

Donating school supplies to local schools or districts is the most direct way to support students in your community. Reach out to schools in your area and inquire about their specific needs. Schools sometimes have designated drop-off points for donations.

Nonprofit organizations

Numerous nonprofit organizations across North America focus on collecting and distributing school supplies to underserved communities. Some well-known organizations include:

DonorsChoose: This online platform connects teachers in need with donors who want to support classroom projects and supplies. Teachers across the US post requests for classroom resources on this website. Donors can choose a project to support and donate.

Crayons to Computers: Founded in 1997, this organization supplies teachers with free classroom materials. According to Crayons to Computers, the top seven items teachers need the most are crayons, dry-erase markers, filler paper, glue sticks, notebooks, pencils, and pocket folders.

Operation Backpack: This initiative by Volunteers of America aims to provide backpacks, school supplies, and funding for academic enrichment to homeless and underprivileged children. Do you know that a donation of $50 can sponsor a backpack filled with all the supplies a boy or girl needs to start the new year?

Kids In Need Foundation: The Kids In Need Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping students and teachers in underserved schools with essential school supplies. Through collaborations with companies and other entities, they establish impactful school supply fundraisers, benefiting those in need.

School supply drives

Keep an eye out for back-to-school supply drives hosted by libraries and community centers. They run donation drives to ensure students have access to essential school supplies. Your local retail stores also often collaborate with local charities to collect supplies for students in need. Sometimes retail stores have collection bins near the entrance or exit of these stores.

Items to donate

If you’re seeking ideas for school supplies donations, consider the everyday essentials that teachers and students rely on within their classrooms. Here are a few items for you to consider:

• • Notebooks and paper
  • Pens, pencils, and markers
  • Backpacks
  • Lunch boxes
  • Calculators
  • Crayons, coloured pencils, and other art supplies
  • Binders and folders
  • Erasers and sharpeners
  • Rulers and scissors

If you are not comfortable buying supplies, many nonprofit organizations dedicated to school supplies donations also accept monetary contributions.

Final word

As the school doors swing open once again, your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of students and educators. Donating school supplies contributes to a more inclusive and equitable education system.

Explore the various options mentioned in this blog to find the best way to give back to your community and help students start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm. Remember, a small act of kindness can profoundly impact a student’s educational journey.

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