A school supply drive is any effort to collect school supplies for donation to needy children who will otherwise go to school without the necessary materials. In many areas, there is an annual school supply drive at a local store, church, or even a school itself. You can participate by donating a few or many school supplies. There is often a drop box in a specific location for this purpose. Check with local schools to find out if there is a school supply drive in your area.

If you cannot locate information regarding a school supply drive, you may want to start one yourself. Contact a local school to see how donations are handled and how you can help. It is often as simple as advertising a school supply drive, setting up a receptacle, collecting the school supplies as the box fills up, and delivering the items to the school. While it requires some time and effort, it is a great way to help children get a better education.

A school supply drive helps children not to worry about not having the proper supplies or being teased by others. They will appreciate your donations, as will teachers, who often have to purchase supplies out of pocket for children whose families cannot afford them. A teacher may be your best source of information when planning a school supply drive. Also, contact local television stations, radio stations, and newspapers to see if they will advertise the school supply drive free of charge, as a public service announcement or community calendar item.

Your children may also enjoy being part of a school supply drive. Most children are very aware of those who don’t have the items they need when they come to school. While some children tease, most feel compassion toward less fortunate students. Most children will gladly do what they can to help ensure that their peers also have school supplies. Having your children help organize a school supply drive is also a great way to teach them about giving back to the community.