TOWSON, MD—In less than three weeks, Baltimore County Public Schools students will return to classes but not to physical classrooms. The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools is encouraging the community to help ensure that BCPS students have the resources they need at home to be successful learners.

“Baltimore County is so large and diverse,” said Deborah Phelps, executive director of the nonprofit foundation. “There are pockets of wealth throughout the county, but half of our students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals, and some of our students are homeless. The foundation created the RISE (Relief in Securing Education) for a Brighter Future campaign to ensure that schools have the resources students need to reap maximum benefits from online learning and receive social-emotional support.”

Through RISE for a Brighter Future, individuals and companies can donate online to support the distribution of school supplies, art supplies, and books to students in need. The cost of providing either school or art supplies or book bundles is approximately $20 to $22 per student.

Those interested in dropping off donations of new school supplies, art supplies, or children’s books can go online to schedule a drop-off date at one of the foundation’s educator resource centers (known as The Exchangeree).