MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For some parents, buying school supplies can be difficult.
“With our students, sometimes they don’t have the supplies they need,” Aspire Hanley Elementary Principal Jennifer Isom said.
“So, therefore, the teachers are coming out of their pockets having to provide and go purchase items that they need.”
Isom said due to COVID-19, the search for supplies has become even more daunting.
“Because of COVID-19 many of our families have not been able to go to work because maybe they had to stay home with their children or their jobs might have laid off some, therefore they’re not going to have the resources or the money to provide or buy the supplies that they need,” Isom explained.
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To help relieve the stress, FOX13′s Family Focus along with several partners is hosting a virtual school supply drive.
For $50, you can purchase a school supply box for an elementary, middle or high school student.
The boxes, provided by the Knowledge Tree, will benefit Communities in School Memphis.
“For the past several years we’ve partnered with FOX13 to provide school supplies for students,” Communities in Schools Chief Operating Officer Michael Russom said.
“The coronavirus has closed schools and has forced us to reimage instruction. Regardless if the schools are in or the instruction is at home, students will have to have some type of supplies.”
Russom said Communities in Schools Memphis strives to empower students to stay in school and succeed in life.
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“Let’s not forget schools are more than classrooms,” Russom said.
“They are a hub for the community. Often a place where kids can come and address various insecurities such as food, such as academic health, social and emotional support.”
Russom said the coronavirus pandemic only amplifies those needs.
“Beyond pens and paper, we have the needs of masks, we have the needs of sanitation,” Russom said.
“Hand sanitizer, wipes, Lysol. With your support you can ensure that the students have the things they need to engage in class.”
And your online donation to the FOX13 Family Focus Virtual School Supply Drive can help students prepare for a new and uncertain year.
“So, seeing them light up when they get those supplies,” Isom said.
“Knowing that I have what I need. I have my pencils, I have my paper, I have my makers. It just makes them feel better about themselves and that just transfers into them learning and being able to feel successful in their learning.”
FOX13 is hosting the school supply drive now through July 31 for Communities in Schools.
The goal is to support 1,250 students with school supply boxes.
Click here to donate.
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