Even though it seems like the summer just got started, back to school season is on everyone’s mind. In just a few short weeks, class will be back in session, and kids all across the community will once again have their heads in the books. This time of year can evoke a wide range of emotions in students: excitement, anticipation, nerves, curiosity. But for the children whose families are unable to afford the supplies needed to succeed throughout the school year, this time of year can evoke some difficult emotions in what is meant to be a happy time. Thankfully, however, due to the generosity of donors all throughout the community, we can come together to assure every child has what they need to thrive this school year.
If you want to help transform lives this upcoming school year, your donation can make the difference in this year’s Children’s Home Society of NJ Back to School Drive. Simple items like notebooks, pens, and lunchboxes can make a profound difference in the life of a child in need. Some of the in-demand items the CHS of NJ is currently seeking includes:
- All-ages school supplies (pre-K through HS): Backpacks and lunchboxes, pencils, pens, colored pencils, markers, construction paper, lined paper, 2-pocket folders, 3-ring binders, erasers, rulers, calculators, and school supplies made specifically for little hands!
- Everyday needs: Diapers, wipes, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, new clothing and shoes, strollers, car seats, etc.
No matter your donation, big or small, your kindness can be the reason a child has their best school year yet. All donation items can be dropped off at the Children’s Home Society of NJ at Attn: MCFD, 635 South Clinton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08611. Please note that all items must be dropped off by 8/18/23.
School supplies, although an essential part of a child’s education, can place a massive financial burden on families who may not have the funds to spare. Per the Huntington Backpack Index, an annual assessment of school supply prices and related expenses, as of 2019, parents could expect to spend well over $1,000 per child in school supplies, technology fees, and extracurriculars. By the time a child reaches high school, parents can expect to pay an average of $1,668 per student. At a time when many families throughout the country are struggling to even put food on the table, any additional expense can be crippling to the family budget. When you donate goods to a back to school drive, you aren’t just connecting a child with tangible resources; you are offering a much-needed sense of security during the turbulent ups and downs of life.
Any donation can make a difference, and when we all come together, we can show up in big ways for our community’s youngest residents. If you have any questions prior to donating, please contact Ariana Bartolomea at cbartolomea@chsofnj.org or (609) 358-1334 for additional assistance. You can play a fundamental role in transforming a child’s life this season, and every book, binder, and notepad gets us one step closer to every child having an amazing school year.
