Looking for a way to help kids in need get the school supplies they need? Anne Arundel County’s Back to School Program is celebrating its 25th year of matching donors with children in need.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services’ Back to School Program, in partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, is seeking additional donors (individuals, groups, organizations and businesses) to be matched with children in need of school supplies.
Matched donors will receive the child’s name, grade, school and a list of needed school supplies. The average cost for one child is $50 to $75, depending upon grade level. Donors can register for the program on the Anne Arundel County website.
The program also accepts monetary donations, used to purchase additional school supplies and backpacks for middle school students.
The Back to School program is a partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services and Anne Arundel County Public Schools. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the program.
More than 68,000 children from low-income families have received assistance since the program began.
“The Back to School Program makes it possible for children, regardless of family income, to arrive at school on the first day feeling confident and ready to learn,” DSS Director Carnitra White said. “We appreciate the community’s long-standing support, and we invite those interested in donating to help push us over the finishline by applying online or contacting us.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Anne Arundel County residents, businesses and faith-based communities, so far the program has matched donors with more than 3,800 public elementary school children living in families with limited means. Each student will receive new backpacks stuffed with school supplies this fall.
“To be successful in school, every child must be equipped with the proper tools, and those tools begin with simple school supplies,” AACPS Superintendent George Arlotto said. “With more than 14,000 elementary students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, the ability of families to provide children with the back-to-school basics is often difficult. Our generous community has risen to the challenge of investing in our children year after year, and I have no doubt that this year will be no different.”
For more information about the Back to School program, download a brochure from the county website, call 410-269-4462, or email Volunteer Coordinator Tanya Steele Clements at [email protected]
