The Bucks County Opportunity Council has launched its 24th annual Back-to-School Drive to provide essential school supplies to students from low-income families, helping them start the school year with confidence and the necessary tools for success. Last year's the nonprofit's drive supported 160 students. Danielle Bush, volunteer and community connections manager at BCOC, said families struggle to afford school supplies. "For our families, who are striving for self-sufficiency, this is a tough time filled with high anxiety and stress because they simply are unable to afford the supplies their children need," she said.
The BCOC works to reduce poverty and provide services to families and individuals throughout Bucks County.
The high cost of back-to-school shopping in 2024
The rising cost of back-to-school shopping exacerbates this stress. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average family with children in elementary through high school will spend over $890 on school supplies, clothing, and electronics in 2024. BCOC is calling for sponsors to donate at least $100 per child. Preferred donations include gift cards, allowing families to shop together. When donor are matched with a client, BCOC makes sure to make the shopping experience as personalized as possible to ensure a child is getting their preferred backpack or supplies.
Physical donations of backpacks, school supplies, and lunch bags are also welcome. Donations can be dropped off at BCOC's four office locations in Bristol, Warminster, Doylestown, or Quakertown between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The deadline for donations is Friday, August 16, 2024.
District school calendars:Here's when Bucks County schools open for 2024-25. Check your district calendar
The locations are:
- 100 Doyle St., Doylestown
- 136 C Mill Road, Quakertown
- 721 Veterans Highway, Bristol
- 539 Jacksonville Road, Warminster
For more information or to sign up as a donor, please contact Danielle Bush at 215-345-8175 ext. 209 or via email at dbush@bcoc.org.
Here are other drives to help Bucks County students prepare for back to school:
United Way of Bucks County kicks off "Stuff the Bus" back-to-school drive
The United Way of Bucks County is launching its annual "Stuff the Bus" back-to-school drive to provide essential school supplies to students in need. This initiative ensures that children across Bucks County have the tools to start the school year ready and confident. Community members are encouraged to donate supplies or funds to help meet the needs of local students.
Anyone who donates to Stuff the Bus by Friday, Aug. 9th will be entered to win a $500 shopping spree at Staples. The winner will also get to gift another $500 Staples shopping spree to the Pre-K or Elementary School of their choice in Bucks County.
“This giveaway is a fun opportunity for community members to win something for themselves – and their favorite school – by giving back,” said Marissa Christie, President & CEO at United Way of Bucks County. “We’re hoping it encourages people to donate so we can ensure that every child in Bucks County starts the school year confident and prepared to learn.”
According to the nonprofit, community members can double their chances of winning by donating $250 or more to the drive.
“At Staples, we believe in the power of education and the importance of providing students with the supplies they need to succeed. We are proud to partner with United Way of Bucks County to further support the students in our community," said Tom Pagan, market manager at Staples.
BKO Hunger needs support:United Way seeks your help in combatting food insecurity through Bucks Knocks Out Hunger
As the largest back-to-school project in the community, Stuff the Bus serves every school district in Bucks County and 17 nonprofit partners. The program distributed more than 3,300 backpacks to K-12 students in 2023.
To make a donation, visit uwbucks.org/stuffthebus or mail a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 with Stuff the Bus in the memo line. If you need assistance, call 215-949-1660.
The Family Service Association of Bucks County
The Family Service Association of Bucks County actively supports local students with its back-to-school drive. This initiative collects school supplies to ensure that children in need have the necessary tools for a successful academic year. Community members can help provide essential items such as backpacks, notebooks, and other supplies by participating.
Donate new clothes, backpacks and supplies, or volunteer to help organize and fill backpacks. You can:
- Donate items for one child
- Sponsor several children (great option for groups/companies)
- Volunteer to fill and expedite backpacks
- Make a monetary donation
Detailed information about the Back to School Drive by contacting Anne Marie Richards at arichards@fsabc.org
Project Back 2 School
Project Back to School, based out of Perkasie, is committed to providing students with the necessary supplies for a successful school year. The back-to-school drive aims to collect and distribute items like backpacks, notebooks, and other essential school materials to children from low-income families. Community involvement is crucial to this effort, and participants can significantly enhance the educational opportunities for these students. The group maintains and Amazon wishlist on its website and other ways to donate online. The website can also direct donors to drop off locations and a current needs list.
Most Popular
Comments / 0