Spending on school supplies has gone up, and in some cases, parents are feeling the burden. This year, the average family with school-age children will spend more than $630 to prepare for back to school. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations to help the neediest students get what they need.
School supply giveaways are taking place throughout the metro area this weekend and into early August. If your child is in need or if you know of a child in need, here is just a sampling of the events and organizations that offer free school supplies to children. Some events may require registration, so call for details.
And if you aren’t in need, you can always offer a donation.
VFW Post 4706 Back to School event: This is the third year for the school supply giveaway organized by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4706. More than 100 bags of school supplies will be delivered on Aug. 18 to students at selected schools, but members of the public in need of supply bags can call and leave a name, child's age and the number of bags of school supplies desired, and they will try to prepare them for students. Call 404-717-5473 before July 31. The post is located at 5362 Covington Highway, Decatur.
New Life Tabernacle COGIC Back to School Bash (www.wsbtv.com/places/atlanta_new-life-tabernacle-cogic/): 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 1, Chris Tucker Youth Center, 715 Cleveland Ave. S.E., Atlanta. Get free back-to-school supplies in addition to music and entertainment.
Back to School Extravaganza sponsored by the Veterans Center: 2-6 p.m. Aug. 2, Andrew Young YMCA, 2220 Campbellton Road S.W., Atlanta. All are welcome to this community event, which will give out free backpacks and supplies as well as offering games and other entertainment. One backpack per child. If the child is not signed up, he or she will not receive a backpack or supplies. For information, registration, etc., call 404-645-1398.
Community Assistance Center School Supply distribution (www.ourcac.org): For CAC clients and those who live in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody with children in the public school system, school supply registration is going on now. Current clients can bring a lease and school enrollment documentation from the past year, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. They can pick up backpacks on Aug. 3 and 4. Backpacks are created based on the actual school supply lists (not generic lists). Those who are not clients can call 770-552-4015 to set up to become clients. Donors can go online at www.ourcac.org and pledge an amount (about $35 for a full backpack). Click the link to "Tools for School programs." You can see which schools are receiving donations and the number of backpacks still needed. You also have the option of choosing a specific school to donate to. CAC is hoping to help 1,000 kids this year. Community Assistance Center, 1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs.
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