How to get school supplies for those in need

It’s back to school season, and for many children this is an exciting time of getting see friends they haven’t seen since May and meeting new people and learning all sorts of new things. For many parents, this is a time of prioritizing expenses to buy school supplies so that their child won’t be looked down on or bullied for not have “the good stuff” their cohorts are showing up with. If you're facing financial constraints and are unable to afford school supplies for your child, there are still a lot of things you can do to help them prepare for school.

First thing is first - reach out to your child's school or the school district's administration office. Explain your situation and ask whether they have any programs, resources, or assistance available for families in need. Reach out to your child’s teachers. Many schools have initiatives to help provide essential supplies to students who require assistance. The school lists that you see advertised for schools often include extras so that there are some supplies available at the school for students whose families could not provide any.

Helping the community it literally what charities and nonprofits exist for. Look for local charities, non-profit organizations, or community groups that might offer school supplies or assistance. These organizations often run back-to-school drives or events where they distribute free supplies. Watch social media and bulletin boards for Backpack Drives, “Fill the Bus,” and similar types of events and contact those organizations to find out how to sign up to receive some of those donated items that you need.

Thrift stores or secondhand shops sometimes carry school supplies that are in good condition at a fraction of the cost compared to buying new. There are also a lot of online groups that serve as digital secondhand stores, whether recycle, reuse, repurpose, trade, barter, or giveaway. Sometimes, you might find people offering school supplies that their children have outgrown or no longer need.

Check with your local library. They might have resources or programs that provide free school supplies to families in need or know of people or organizations willing to help. A library’s purpose includes literacy and education, so they will often have information on who can help and how.

Don’t forget the dollar stores! Visit discount stores or dollar shops, where you can often find basic school supplies at lower prices compared to regular stores. We all want our children to have the best stuff, but the fact is that 90 percent of what your child takes into a school never comes out. They are consumables. The key word in cost-effective is “effective.”

When you have tried everything but cannot buy everything. prioritize the most essential items your child needs. Some things such as notebooks, pencils, pens, and a backpack are more important extras like fancy folders, pen holders, spare notebooks, or accessories. When you have to decide which items to buy, start at the bottom of the importance list and work your way up from there.

Don’t leave your family and friends out of the discussion. You are searching for items because you want what’s best for your family, and your extended family likely will feel the same way. Consider reaching out to them or friends who might be willing to help you gather necessary school supplies. Ask your children to trade some manual labor like snow shoveling or grass cutting or dog walking for some nicer equipment.

DIY Supplies: Get creative and make some supplies at home. For example, you can cover old notebooks with colorful paper or repurpose items you already have.

While we are talking about essential school supplies, remember that a brain can’t learn on an empty stomach. Schools often have programs in place to provide free or reduced-price meals and supplies for students in need – some schools just plain offer t to everybody. Be sure to inquire about these programs. A lower cost at lunch means more money to spend on supplies.

Remember, schools and communities understand the challenges that families face and may have solutions in place to help. Don't delay in asking for assistance. Explore all of the resources available in your area. Show your child that their success is more important than your pride.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.