NOTTINGHAM, MD—Just as Baltimore County Public Schools is launching its 2021 Back2BCPS campaign, The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., is accelerating its efforts to collect new school supplies for students from low-income families.

To support the school supply drive, called Tools for Schools, community members can collect or purchase supplies or make a monetary donation.

“When students have the supplies they need at the beginning of the school year that gives them confidence and reduces their stress and anxiety,” said Deborah S. Phelps, the foundation’s executive director. “We invite companies, friends, neighbors, and community groups to host school supply drives or donate.”

“Contributing to the Tools for Schools school supply drive is such a simple yet powerful way for community members to show their support for our students,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “We know that about half of our students qualify for free and reduced-price meals, and we know that the past two years have been extremely stressful economically. If those who can donate school supplies, our entire school community will be stronger and better prepared to succeed.”

Those interested in participating can bring donated school supplies to The Education Foundation’s Stuff the Bus event on Thursday, August 5, beginning at 10 a.m., during the Tots@10 event on THE AVENUE at White Marsh.

In addition, school supplies can be dropped off at the following locations:

• The Exchangeree, in partnership with Merritt Companies
  2034 (F) Lord Baltimore Dr., 21244
  Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• The Exchangeree, in partnership with Federal Realty
  THE AVENUE at White Marsh
  8150-D Honeygo Blvd., 21236
  Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Hallmark Store
  THE AVENUE at White Marsh
  8153 Honeygo Blvd., Suites E & F, 21236
  Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Baltimore County Public Library branches
  (Most branches are participating. Those donating supplies are asked to check with the nearest branch.)
  Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

New this year, individuals can donate through the Amazon, Target, and Walmart online registries. The companies vary in the minimum purchase required to receive free shipping. Individuals using the registries are asked to have the school supplies delivered to BCPS Office of Logistics/The Education Foundation, 9611 Pulaski Highway, Suite 301, Baltimore, MD 21220.

A final option for giving is to make an online contribution using a credit card or PayPal.

All supplies donated to The Education Foundation are distributed to schools and teachers who then disperse them to the students most in need.

According to The Education Foundation, the school supplies most needed are 3-ring binders, book bags, cards (regular playing cards/flash cards), colored pencils, composition books (college/ wide ruled/primary), crayons (packs of 8 or 24), dividers, erasers (wedge/pencil cap), folders (with/without brads or pockets), glue, glue sticks, grid paper, highlighters, markers (packs of 8 or 12 and thin and thick), mechanical pencils and lead, modeling clay, notebook paper (college/wide ruled), pencils (pack of 12), pencils cases or pouches, pencil sharpeners, pens (pack of 12), protractors, rulers, reward stickers, scissors (regular and blunt safety), sketchbooks, spiral notebooks (college/wide ruled), sticky notes, and watercolor set with brush.

The Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization and donations to it are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels