School Supplies For Children In Need

Hundreds of children in need in the Parma City School District will be provided with backpacks and school supplies through community partnerships in the 2014-2015 school year. The "Backpacks for Kids" program has been in operation for several years, supplying needed backpacks and school supplies for Parma City School District students each year. "We couldn't do it without the big hearts and generous donations from our partners," says Bryan Stanton, Family to Family Supervisor at the Parma Area Family Collaborative. "Last year alone we were able to provide a backpack and supplies needed by more than 1,000 students. The project is critical to helping students in need start the year off on the right foot. And this year we project an even greater need." 


Local businesses and community organizations raise funds throughout the year for the program. The UAW Local 1105 is hosting a Country Night Fundraiser on August 2nd with the goal of stuffing a school bus with school supplies and collecting monetary donations to support the program. The KIKS Office and the PCSD Community/Business/Schools Partnership donates more than 400 backpacks and supplies each year. Community drop-off points, such as Bartels Busack Pet Hospital, collect supplies for the initiative as well. "It's hard to describe what it means to a child to start the new school year with a fresh backpack full of the proper school supplies. You're helping a child come to school ready to learn," says Stanton. "It means so much." 

Families interested in applying for the program should complete an application and return it to the Parma Area Family Collaborative at 11212 Snow Road, Parma by August 6th. While filling out an application does not guarantee school supplies, eligible families will be contacted by the Parma Area Family Collaborative to coordinate their effort. School supplies will be distributed to students on August 23rd at various locations throughout the community, including partnering churches. 

Want to help? Participate in the efforts above, or contact the Parma Area Family Collaborative at 440-887-4873 to donate, or volunteer. 

The Parma Area Family Collaborative focuses on the well-being, safety, and academic success of the children in our communities by connecting families in need with resources and programming for success. For more information, visit their website at www.parmacityschools.org/collab.

Erin Gadd

Erin Gadd is the Director of Public Relations for the Parma City School District.

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Volume 6, Issue 8, Posted 10:20 AM, 08.01.2014