Last year almost 70 community partners collaborated with Springfield Public Schools to equip over 7,000 under-resourced students with specific, high-quality school supplies. To prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, the Ready, Set, Supply! initiative will add disposable face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to the list of needed supplies.
“School supplies are a big expense for families during a regular school year,” explained Dr. Bret Range, executive director of student services. “This year, with the additional supplies needed to keep everyone safe and healthy, it will add to the financial burden of many families.”
With Ready, Set, Supply!, community and faith-based partners come together to support students by donating the kid-tested, teacher-approved supplies they need to start school.
Individuals and organizations can help by donating supplies, making a financial contribution or volunteering to pack and deliver supplies.
This coordinated effort helps SPS match generous partners with students in need, ensuring equity and efficiency with school supply donations across Springfield, Range said.
Supplies are needed by Aug. 1 so they can be sorted and delivered to the schools. Items needed include:
- Notebook paper (college and wide ruled)
- Comp books (college and wide ruled)
- Highlighters
- Crayola crayons (24 count)
- Headphones
- Crayola markers (10 count)
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable face masks
- Clorox wipes
Find out how you can help by calling 523-0315 or email lrsearles@spsmail.org. Individuals may also make a monetary donation to help purchase school supplies here: https://www.supportsps.org/pick-a-project/ready-set-supply/.
“We are very fortunate to have so many generous partners and community members who support our students each year,” Range said. “Having the supplies they need helps students start the school year on a positive note.”
