A Simple Backpack Can Lift a Whole Family

Dear Friend,  

Do you remember the excitement of picking out your new backpack and carefully choosing school supplies before the school year started?  Every child deserves to feel that same excitement on their first day at school.  

But not all families can experience that. I recently came across an article that showed the rising costs of necessary back-to-school items are forcing families to choose between buying groceries and school supplies. This report revealed that 40% of surveyed parents cannot afford back-to-school shopping this year, while 44% plan to take on debt to cover these costs. More than half said they would skip necessities like groceries to afford school supplies.  

We know that these same challenges face families right here in Montgomery County and may be worsened by recent federal layoffs affecting our area. The good news is that we can help. Last year, thanks to the support of our donors and volunteers, we distributed over 5,000 backpacks filled with new age-appropriate school supplies for students. I believe we can help even more families this year – but we need your help!  

By donating to our “Big Dreams Start with a Full Backpack” campaign, you help to ensure each student has access to what they need to start the school year. But helping students goes beyond just school supplies - by donating, you help the whole family. When families come for backpacks, they also connect with our other services at the IW Essential Needs Center. They can access free food and clothing, helping ease their financial burden so the whole family’s needs are met. We don’t want families to make the choice between backpacks and food, so we make both available.  

Moms like Blanca* no longer have to face that difficult choice.    

“I am struggling financially right now. The backpack program is very helpful. The money that I would have to spend on backpacks would take away from money used for food. This is a huge help.”  - Blanca (not her real name) 

Join us today in providing every student with what they need to succeed this school year. Your donation will help a child start the school year equipped not just with supplies, but with confidence.  Donate now!

Sincerely,

Courtney Hall, CEO