At CharityRx, we are passionate about helping kids. Every year, millions of children in the United States start school without adequate supplies due to their families’ financial hardship. Unfortunately, this gap between those with and without necessary materials can significantly impact learning outcomes for students. We understand the importance of providing children with school supplies, and we are proud to partner with Kids In Need Foundation in July to provide backpacks full of supplies to kids in underserved schools. With every prescription filled using our prescription discount card, we will contribute funds towards purchasing much-needed materials for these children. We believe that every child deserves the chance to reach their educational goals and be prepared for success!
For some families, purchasing school supplies can be a challenge. For many children living in poverty, their parents may have to choose between providing basic necessities such as food or clothing and buying the materials required for school.
Because of inflation, parents will need to spend more than ever to prepare their kids for school this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that school supplies will cost families an average of $864 in 2022, $168 more than in 2019.[1] Despite making tough financial decisions, these families may still be unable to afford the necessary supplies, leaving their children without the tools they need to succeed, and students may struggle to participate in class activities or keep up with their assignments. This can lead to lower grades and missed opportunities.
Kids In Need Foundation is the only national nonprofit focusing on the nation’s most under-resourced schools: those where 70 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch Program.
Promoting equity in schools is an invaluable social investment that gives children a deeper perspective and knowledge about the world around them and empowers them to make wise decisions for their future. Kids In Need Foundation helps create equitable learning spaces by distributing supplies and resources and investing in teachers and students in underserved schools. [2]
According to the National Education Association (NEA), over 90 percent of teachers spend their own money on school supplies and other items their students need to succeed. Just before the pandemic, educators, on average, spent around $500 of their own money on classroom supplies over the course of the year. That amount is expected to be considerably higher this year. One analysis estimates that educators will spend more than $820 out-of-pocket on school supplies this academic year.
“It’s worth it to have focused, engaged students during independent reading time rather than off-task students due to the fact that they don’t like their book.”
Liz Jorgensen
A few items teachers purchased were paper and notebooks, binders, clipboards, crayons, pencils, dry-erase markers, glue sticks, and organizing bins. Too many classrooms wouldn’t have a library if teachers didn’t buy the books and shelves themselves. Michigan teacher Liz Jorgensen has spent hundreds of dollars adding to her self-funded classroom library. “It’s worth it to have focused, engaged students during independent reading time rather than off-task students due to the fact that they don’t like their book,” she said. Some teachers said they have to purchase their own soap and hand sanitizer to supplement what is provided by the district. [3]
We invite you to join us in supporting Kids In Need Foundation by using the CharityRx prescription discount card at your pharmacy in July. Every prescription counts, and together we can make a difference for these children and their families. Together, we can ensure no child is left behind this school year!
If your family is fortunate enough to be able to afford school supplies this year and you would like to help a child in need, consider some of the following ways to make a difference:
Resources:
[1] National Retail Federation, Back-to-School Trends To Know
[2] Kids in Need Foundation, Our Impact
[3] National Education Association, Out-of-Pocket Spending on School Supplies Adds to Strain on Educators
