When I was young, my mother struggled to make sure I had the basic necessities and supplies I needed to go back to school with. I couldn't blame her, she had bigger things to worry about, like making sure we didn't get evicted because she couldn't come up with rent or making sure we had something other than ramen noodles to eat for dinner.
As someone who grew up benefiting from the kindness of community during back to school season, I try my best to always make giving back to the children in my community a priority as the season rolls around and i've come up with my 5 ways you can give back to the children in your community during back to school season as well.
DONATE A FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL OUTFIT
Remember how exciting the first day of school was? Spending hours deciding what you were going to wear that day to set the year off right?
It might seem vain but that little confidence and self-esteem boost that a first day of school outfit brings a child coming from a tough situation is something that is very much needed. So, while you're back to school shopping purchase a head-to-toe outfit and donate it to someone you may know personally or to your local shelter.
BE A VOICE
Help your local schools, shelters, and charity organizations by sharing information on their events. Use your social media platforms to get the word out about school supply drives. Contact your local schools and find out what back to school items they need donated then encourage your friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors to donate what they can. Use your voice in any way you can to spread awareness & generate buzz about charitable events in your community.
PAY STUDENTS LUNCH ACCOUNTS
A lot of schools offer free or reduced lunch options for struggling families but even with the reduced lunch prices, it can still be hard for parents to come up with funds for lunch. Contacting your local school or reaching out to a family you know is struggling and offering to add money to their lunch accounts would help alleviate one of the stresses low income & struggling families face.
VOLUNTEER
If you have more time than money, volunteering is a great way to make an impact. Volunteer at your local back to school drive. Contact your local family shelter or charity & find ways you can help out. Join the big brother/big sister program and be a mentor. High student-teacher ratios make it difficult for teachers to give one on one attention to the students, volunteering in the classroom is a simple way to offer extra time and attention to the children who need it.
DONATE
Donating supplies, clothing, and sanitary items to families in need is always a great help.
Donating to teachers that are coming out of their own pockets to supply items for students due to budget cuts is also very helpful. Making monetary donations to schools is also a great way to help alleviate some of the stress of having low budgets.
There are a ton of ways to give back to your community without breaking the bank, all you have to do is get creative and think outside of the box.
If you're in Vegas, here is a list of clickable links to places you can donate this back to school season!
Xo, Jeanice
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