Safe Children Coalition’s ‘Back-to-School Drive’ returns for upcoming school year

For any family, back-to-school time can be stressful, especially when it comes time to purchase school supplies. Last year, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation, the estimated cost of back-to-school supplies was around $875 per household but that number can grow depending on the number of children and their ages.

The situation is even more challenging for children who are either in foster care or involved with prevention/diversion programs, where financial challenges can mean students will start off the year without the critical supplies needed for classroom success. To help give children a chance to succeed in school, Safe Children Coalition is holding its annual Back-to-School Drive, to fulfill school supply lists for nearly 500 children in foster care or its prevention/diversion programs.

For many years, Safe Children Coalition (SCC) has invited the community to support youth in foster care and/or involved with its programs, with donations of school supplies gratefully accepted throughout the summer.

Anyone interested in supporting this effort is encouraged to visit the Back-to-School Drive page (sccfl.org/back-to-school-drive) and follow the link to the participation form. At this link, community members can see and download the supply lists for grades K-5 and 6-12, and then shop to fulfill the supply list (or lists) of their choice. They can also use the form to schedule the drop-off of supplies during the week of July 7 to SCC’s Northgate location (1500 Independence Blvd., Suite 210, Sarasota).

The deadline for drop-offs – to be ready in time for group backpack stuffing activities – is July 11 (although later donations will still be gratefully accepted and distributed to children in need). Gifts of supplies are preferred. Monetary donations will support the critical, life-saving programs and services for vulnerable children and at-risk families.

“Being able to afford school supplies is just another obstacle in a long string of stressors for at-risk kids and their caretakers; children in the care system already face so many challenges,” said SCC President and CEO Brena Slater. “Our Back-to-School Drive serves to ease some of those stressors by providing children with the tools they need to learn and grow. We are grateful to the caring people and organizations that support this program, year after year, and welcome the entire community to join in this critical effort.”

For more about the Back-to-School Drive, visit sccfl.org/back-to-school-drive. For questions or to schedule the drop-off of supplies, contact Stephanie Coachman by calling 941-315-3071 or emailing scoachman@sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.