Why this is Important
Studies have shown that starting the school year with the necessary school supplies promotes learning, boosts self-esteem, and helps keep kids in school. Unfortunately as states have cut school spending, schools are providing less and parents are being asked to purchase even more school supplies for their children.
Financially strapped families often struggle with how they will be able to purchase all the necessary supplies in time for the start of school. School supply drives help ensure that all kids have the same opportunities to start the school year right . Lower income kids have many hurdles to overcome. Working hard and staying in school offer a glimmer of hope for a better future. But staying in school is difficult if you don’t have the right supplies. Kids may already feel out of place, and showing up without the proper supplies just makes them feel worse and like they just don’t have what it takes to succeed.
What you can do!
St. Francis House will be collecting much needed school supplies for St. Francis House, during the weekends of July 24th and 31st. Boxes will be located in the vestibule for your generous contributions of these items (glue sticks, black and white marble composition books, wide-ruled notebook paper, pink erasers, etc.). Thank you for your continuing support and generosity. For more information, please contact Francia Salguero at 703-221-6344 or [email protected].
Just so you know…
In a year where there have been shortages on everything from Grape-Nuts cereal to chicken wings, another is looming that could affect students’ return to school. Experts say it’s possible some school supplies could be harder to find and may sell out. Plus, prices may be on the rise. Neil Saunders, managing director of consultancy GlobalData Retail, told USA TODAY he expects demand will be high on products like backpacks, sneakers, some gadgets and stationery. “While we are unlikely to see apocalyptic shortages, the continued pressure on supply chains means that not all retailers will get an optimal amount of supply.” This especially impacts poor families who have less degrees of freedom and funds to shop and get ready.