The Almanac – South Hills Interfaith Movement is looking for donations to help provide children in the South Hills with the school supplies they need to have a successful school year, whether in the classroom or at home.
Last year, SHIM’s Back-to-School initiative helped more than 1,000 students start the new academic year with confidence, thanks to supplies provided by SHIM supporters, partners like CentiMark Corp. and community distribution events that allowed children to select their own backpacks and supplies.
Because of considerations related to COVID-19, this year’s events will feature pre-packed backpacks at drive-thru distributions to ensure the safety of families, staff and volunteers.
“Many families and students rely on our Back-to-School supply distribution each year, so we couldn’t allow the uncertainly of this school year to prevent us from providing them what they need to succeed,” SHIM executive director James Guffey said. “If in the classroom or at their kitchen tables, kids will need both supplies and confidence for effective learning. We are hoping the community will join us to provide both.”
According to the Deloitte Back-to School Survey, families will spend more than $500 per child on back-to-school items this year. Though supplies are needed to fill the backpacks, monetary donations will be used to help South Hills students now and throughout the year.
Donations are being accepted through Aug. 3 at SHIM’s Center at 5301 Park Avenue, Bethel Park. Some of the most-needed items are:
- Seventy-count spiral notebooks;
- Earbuds or headphones;
- Facial masks;
- Index cards;
- Pencil cases;
- Three-ring binders, 1-, 1.5- and 2-inch.
The supplies will be safely pre-packed into backpacks and distributed the week of Aug. 10. Each event will be a drive-through distribution, and students will have the opportunity to select their backpacks. All students in need of school supplies are welcomed to attend.
The events are scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church, 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at Whitehall Presbyterian Church and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at the SHIM Center.
For more information, contact Seth Dubin, SHIM director of development, at sdubin@shimcares.org, and visit shimcares.org.
