Have you ever considered the financial strain the back to school season has on needy children and families? The stores are packed with school supplies and the excitement is in the air. Back-to-school season is here! While some families may be singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, many other families are facing the financial burden that this time of year brings.
While generosity flows more instinctively with holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s essential to help needy children and families during this back-to-school season as well.
Here are some things that you can do to assist financially struggling families at the start of the school year.
Back-to-school season can be a financial burden. Here's how you can help. #backtoschool #help Click To Tweet
Food bank donations
I occasionally volunteer for our city’s food bank. I remember being told during one of the orientations that the month of September (when most children go back to school) is one of the busiest months for the food bank.
When you think of all the expenses of going back to school, it makes sense that this would be a time that the food bank is most utilized.
When donating to your food bank, it’s important provide food staples such as tuna, soups, beans, and pasta. However, also consider donating items that are great for children’s lunch bags, such as:
- granola bars
- juice boxes
- pudding cups
- cookies
- crackers
- canned tuna salad / cracker packs
- real juice fruit gummies
- mini raisin packs
The tips in this article here can help you maximize your food bank donation.
School supplies
Every year, our church does a school supply “drive” for families who are in need. There are many stores that collect donations as well.
Consider donating high quality items that can sustain heavy use throughout the year. Items which are often needed are:
- notebooks
- coil scribblers
- duotangs
- binders
- paper
- pencils
- markers
- crayons
- rulers
- pencil cases
- scissors
- glue /glue sticks
- erasers
We watched for sales and got all the items off of one school supply list for less than $30! It was a small dent to our budget but will be a big help to a child in need!
Clothing donations
While getting new clothes for your children, donate some of their old clothing to charity. I like to cycle clothes out as I purchase new items. For example, if I purchase two shirts and a skirt, I will donate two shirts and a skirt.
Fall and winter gear are especially critical. Snowsuits, boots, hats, and mittens are important to keep the kids warm while playing outside at recess.
Books
Dig through your bookshelves for books that your children have outgrown. Books can be donated to libraries, charities, and even local schools.
Indigo has a Love of Reading Foundation which raises money to provide books to high-needs elementary school libraries. Their online donation form makes it especially easy to donate!
Other ways to help needy children
These are just a few ways you can help families during this financially challenging time of year. There are many ways to help and make an impact. Watch your community paper, stores, and bulletins for opportunities to assist those in need.
SHARE WITH OTHERS
Wonderful ways to give back and my younger daughter’s Girl Scout troop also just donated school supplies through our local bank’s drive for supplies. So, I definitely think this is a great lesson to teach our kids at this time of the year and was so happy would could join in here and participate, too. Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday ahead now!! xoxo :)
My girls are in guides too! I love how they always have some community project or volunteerism activities for the girls.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!
Am starting a Charity to help out the needy schooling pupil with scholastic materials
Thank you for reminding me to think of others during this busy time and offer any contributions I can. I needed this, Jennifer! There are people in need ALL around us.
I’m delighted that this came to you at the right time. You’re so very right… there are people in need in our own communities and there are so many ways that we can help them.
Love this. I always hesitate to announce this publicly, mostly because I hope people realize I TRULY love my job, but sometimes I get more products than I can use. Often. Or get a bigger stipend than I need. I always donate to our town’s survival center. They get THRILLED when I show up with supplies and personal items, and not just food.
It’s really helpful to read these lists.
What a wonderful way to spread out the excess you get! That’s awesome Tamara, I appreciate you sharing that tip.
Jennifer, thank you so much for this post. The title alone caught my attention! So many articles etc. tend to focus on making back to school just right for us; it was refreshing to see one that speaks of filling the needs of others. Thank you! You offered some great tips and it has reminded me that even in my small community I can find ways to help those who are struggling during this season. Blessings to you!
I’m delighted you enjoyed this Carlie. I felt strongly compelled to write this, as it’s such a financially challenging time of year for so many families. I hope that it encourages others to help where they can and I pray those who need help get what they need.
I appreciate your kind words – thank you!
Hadn’t thought about back-to-school as being a time when the food banks would get more “business.” Makes sense though, and good idea to consider items for lunches and after school snacks. Our small group once participated in an initiative to fill backpacks with easy to prepare foods that kids could take home on weekends when they wouldn’t be getting breakfast and/or lunch provided by the school. They could bring the packs back on Monday to have refilled for the next weekend.
I’m delighted you enjoyed this Abi. I love the idea of filling backpacks for the weekends!
These are such insightful tips for me Jennifer. You make a great point about the generosity expressed at the holidays. I never thought about the start of school year burdens for some families. You have brought to mind a local food bank that I can help. Always a pleasure to visit your site. Especially today as my horizons have been expanded for sure. Thank you for sharing the knowledge. Have a fantastic weekend and may God richly bless you and yours in all your endeavors!
I’m delighted this resonated with you Horace, and that you have some ideas to help those in need during this financially challenging season.
this is awesome! thank you for making your readers aware because it’s truly a need and when everyone pitches in, a little becomes a lot!
We love doing this every single year. We are even considering hosting a teacher appreciation day next year where we invite teachers to come and get some supplies. Not sure what that may look like but thinking on it now.
found you through the linky list of the Cozy Reading Spot.
Thanks so much for stopping by and I’m delighted you enjoyed this Marie!
Also, thank you for sharing your thoughts on how to help those in need during back to school season – together we can make a huge difference!
Back to school is a challenging time of year for many. We have supplies readily available for students each year, from paper to pens, notebooks and binders, crayons and on and on.
That’s absolutely wonderful Lowanda! Thanks for sharing what you do during this time of need.
I love that in the midst of all the business of back to school, you made it a priority to give to others. Thanks for the reminder to do the same. :)
Thank you Meg. I’m delighted you enjoyed this.
These are wonderful ideas! Interesting point about food banks being utilized more often in September.
I thought that was interesting too – and it stuck with me. It makes sense though doesn’t it?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Jessica.