A drum roll, please! Every year at this time, the editorial board has the happy task of celebrating the generosity of readers who’ve contributed to The Times editorial board School Supplies Fundraising Drive.
It’s an effort born out of concern for our region’s students, the ones growing up in families that need a little extra help to prepare for the school year. Many of these kids are homeless or in danger of becoming so, which means spending hundreds of dollars on new school clothes, shoes, book bags and notebooks is a significant strain for their parents.
That’s where the School Supplies Drive comes in. Since the drive began nearly 30 years ago, thousands of readers have contributed. This year, 631 made donations — ranging from a few dollars to well over $2,000. No amount is too small. Every bit of it helps. And all of the money goes to three local agencies, who use it to provide gift cards to families or brand-new backpacks that are doled out, stuffed full of classroom essentials: pens, paper, folders and hygiene products.
Those organizations are: YWCA Seattle-King-Snohomish; Hopelink, on the Eastside; and The Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, which served more than 1,840 students and their families.
This year’s grand total for donations: $127,372!
“Thank you for the opportunity to help,” wrote one reader, echoing the views of many who want to make a difference but don’t always know where to focus their efforts.
To everyone who donated, The Seattle Times says thank you on behalf of students and their families.
