Better Housing Coalition Backpack Drive

We’re still in July but it’s not too early to start thinking about school and those that might need a little help getting ready.

The Better Housing Coalition with the help of Hands on Greater Richmond are collecting backpacks and supplies for students.

More details here:

School supplies, books and clothing can really add up. For instance, we calculated that a backpack full of the school supplies required by our public school system can easily run more than $100. For families with low-to-moderate incomes like many of those living in a Better Housing Coalition rental community, meeting daily expenses is already a challenge; and the added costs of back-to-school preparedness puts added pressure on a tightly stretched budget. Families with more than one child are especially hit hard; and due to other financial priorities are often unable to afford all of the tools their children need to perform well in school.

For the second year, we are hosting a backpack and supply drive! Last year volunteers generously donated nearly $10,000 in school supplies providing much-needed and appreciated budget relief to families living in BHC’s Lincoln Mews and Winchester Greens communities. This year we have a goal of 150 fully stocked bags for the youth who are participating in our on-site programming.

This activity is perfect for groups and individuals, and it can be completed at your leisure (so long as it’s before July 31st). Interested? It’s easy to help out! Just follow the steps below.

1. Decide if you’d like to fill an elementary, middle/high school bag, or a combination of both.
2. Buy the supplies on the lists HERE.
3. Stuff the bag.
4. Drop off your filled bag to BHC’s Main Office (23 W. Broad St., Ste 100) by July 31st.
5. Feel great that you helped a child be prepared for his/her first day of school!