It’s back-to-school time, and that has me thinking a lot about an issue that has generated quite some buzz. The rising cost of school supplies is a drain on all socioeconomic classes, but low-income families especially feel the pinch.
In addition to buying new clothes, backpacks, lunch bags, etc. parents are expected to shell out more money for “communal” school supplies for classrooms.
So what are these parents supposed to do? Choose between buying food and school supplies? Purchase some of the supplies and hope it works out?
The stark reality is that back to school time costs the average family about $424, according to the National Retail Federation. That includes $225 for clothing, $103 for shoes and $96 for school supplies.
Luckily there are programs out there for needy families, such as the Salvation Army Fort Wayne’s Tools for Schools. The Salvation Army Tools for School program is designed to provide basic school supplies for children whose parents cannot afford the items necessary for their child(ren) to succeed in school. The program compensates for some basic expenses by supplying children with book bags, notebooks, pens and pencils, etc.
The Tools for School program operates on the generosity of people in the community who donate needed supplies during the summer months. More than 1,700 children were assisted during the 2010 Tools for School campaign here in Fort Wayne.
Those who want to be further engaged can Adopt a Classroom. Through this project donors provide additional funds to purchase hands on learning materials.
Bottom line: All children deserve a quality education and school supplies are part of that equation. If you can help … do it!
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