Research says that children who begin the school year with the necessary school supplies have greater motivation to stay in school, as well as have a higher self-esteem, all of which sets them up for a more successful school year. Lower income families are beginning to face the reality that they may not have the resources to provide their children with all the necessary tools to start this upcoming school year. This year, more than ever, families are in need of the right school supplies due to the uncertainty of what this next year will hold.
Last fall, APC had the privilege of giving away 175 backpacks filled with school supplies to the local Ensley School district. There was such a response that supplies ran out within the first hour. Because of the immense response to the backpacks last year, we are hoping to double our efforts with the school supplies this year by partnering with Fritz Clinic. Through working with the Birmingham City Coalition, APC hopes to not only impact Ensley School district but the others surrounding it.
APC’s Executive Director, Mike Vest comments on the importance of this backpack drive saying, “Growing up in the Ensley neighborhood, I realized the disparity within the area. Providing backpacks for the at-risk students is a blessing for APC to give back to this community. Not only do we help the parents and students, but we also help the teachers by having the right materials for the students to do their classwork successfully.” By collecting supplies, APC will be able to provide families and students with the necessary tools to be set up for success this school year. It is through simple instruments like scissors and rulers that the community has the ability to equip their less fortunate members for success.
Below are specific supplies we need that that will equip our community member who need them.
- Notepads
- Pens
- Pencils
- Lined paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Crayons
- Folders
- Glue sticks
- Colored pencils
- Rulers
- & more
To assist in making a difference, you can make donations by July 31st to APC’s office at 324 Commons Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209. You can also make a donation HERE.
