Schools

More Than 600 Local Students In Need Of School Supplies

School supplies are needed for 610 students in Swampscott, Marblehead, Salem, and Lynn.

SWAMPSCOTT, MA – The SPUR Student Success Back-to-School drive is officially underway and with the partnership of individuals, families, and businesses, the Marblehead-based nonprofit aims to ensure all 610 children on their list begin their approaching school year prepared for success.

A local 5th grader who benefitted from the drive last year wrote to SPUR to thank them for the supplies. The student wrote that it was hard to fit in, but having the same supplies as the rest of the class helped, and the student was excited to start school.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the back-to-school drive:

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What is the Student Success Back-to-School drive?

The SPUR Student Success Back-to- School Drive provides new backpacks, school essentials and healthy snacks to children in Lynn, Marblehead, Salem and Swampscott.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

How are children selected to receive backpacks?

This year, school counselors, local food pantry directors, social workers and homeless education liaisons have submitted the names and grades of 610 children, who otherwise will begin the year without the school supplies they need.

How can I help?

By Aug. 18, 2017, mail a tax-deductible check or go online
(www.spur.community/BackpackSponsor) and sponsor a child. SPUR has secured competitive pricing from a distributor and will be bulk ordering the supplies and backpacks which will then be delivered, and on Aug. 21 and 22 they will work with volunteers to sort, fill, and write personalized notes of well wishes to each child.

Program coordinators will then pick up the backpacks filled with supplies and distribute to their children.

What are the sponsorship options?

Purchase a backpack and supplies for a K - 2nd grader ($54.26)
Purchase a backpack and supplies for a 3rd - 5th grader ($66.48)
Purchase a backpack and supplies for a 6th - 12th grader ($74.08)
Purchase a backpack ($33.82)
Purchase school supplies ($38.46)

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