One of the best parts about living in a thriving community are the opportunities to give back to those that need it most. This season LFNS is giving back to children in need of school supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.
Many students in the Central Florida/Polk County area have already started school or will begin classes this coming week. For some of those students, basic school supplies will still be needed. As a former educator myself, I saw first hand how difficult it is to keep classrooms and backpacks stocked with basic school supplies. Students and teachers alike struggle to keep needed utensils, paper and folders throughout the year.
Courtney White has been an educator for the past 5 years. She has worked in some of the toughest schools in Florida as an elementary school teacher and administrator. Recently, Courtney graduated with her masters in education, moved to Lakeland, FL and will soon begin teaching at a new school with new students. When LFNS asked her why school supplies donations are so crucial, she had this to say; “The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the importance of school supply donations is equality: creating opportunity to give everyone what they need to be successful. I think of my previous first days of the school year and remember students walking in the door completely ready to learn with their supplies while others walk in with nothing. Extra supplies means that every kid has what they need to be successful in the classroom! It also means an increased confidence and higher spirit to the students who need them.”
We value and admire the work of educators and school volunteers throughout the school year and are grateful for the opportunity to help support them!
If you are looking for tips on how to donate supplies, here are a few ideas we have for you:
Check out your local dollar store and dollar general. Supplies are affordable and checking online may increase your chance of finding supplies (ex. Backpacks online are $5, but may not be stocked in nearby stores.)
Items such as tissues, dry erase markers, hand sanitizer and copy paper are items needed by classrooms that may escape school supplies lists
You can choose to donate at the beginning of the year or keep Hearth Project in mind for donating throughout the year to continuously help students and teachers in need.
Last week, LFNS went shopping for supplies to donate at the Bartow Chamber on August 17, 2018. The team followed a list provided by the Learning Resource Center of Polk County. You can find this list and other donation opportunities here: https://lrcpolk.com/2018-back-to-school-events/ As you can see, donations for hygiene products, school supplies and backpacks are being supported by various businesses in the area as well.
Comments