Tools For Schools Supply Drive To Benefit BCPS Students

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A school supply drive for Baltimore County Public School students from low-income families happens to be underway as the start of the school year approaches. Called Tools for Schools, donating to the drive has been made even easier with not just designated drop-off sites but also the ability to donate through Amazon, Target and Walmart online registries. 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.

Donors also can make an online contribution using a credit card or PayPal. All supplies donated to The Education Foundation's school supply drive are distributed to schools and teachers who then disperse them to the students most in need.

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

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 sets with brushes.

“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,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said. “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 starting at 10 a.m. during the Tots@10 event on THE AVENUE at White Marsh.

School supplies also can be dropped off at the following locations:

• The Exchangeree, in partnership with Merritt Companies, 2034 (F) Lord Baltimore Dr., 21244 on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Exchangeree, in partnership with Federal Realty, at THE AVENUE at White Marsh,

8150 D Honeygo Blvd., 21236 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Hallmark Store, at THE AVENUE at White Marsh, 8153 Honeygo Blvd., Suites E & F, 21236,

Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baltimore County Public Library branches Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.