School Tools Supply Drives benefit local low-income school children

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA (September 8, 2009) - IEUW KidSmart's School Tools program provides new school supplies to benefit local low-income school children. More than half of the students in local public schools are enrolled in the federal free and reduced meal programs. If these kids can't afford lunch, it is unlikely they can afford school supplies, so Inland Empire United Way encourages local businesses, service clubs or other groups to host a School Tools supply drive.

"It's not too late to help! In these difficult economic times, thousands of kids are going back to school this year without the basic supplies they need to succeed." said Lorraine Ousley, IEUW KidSmart Director. "We are asking local businesses and community groups to host a supply drive and collect new school supplies. We need what teachers refer to as 'The Basic 10' items, which include pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue (stick and bottles), spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, scissors, colored pencils and erasers. Backpacks are also always needed. All of the donated items from the supply drives will benefit low-income school children and classrooms."

Host a supply drive along with an upcoming event, or put some collection bins around your building. Encourage your co-workers and friends to bring a donation of new school supplies to help local kids.

Please contact Carrie Anderson, IEUW KidSmart Volunteer Coordinator, at (909) 980-2857 ext. 216 or supplydrive@ieuw.org and visit www.ieuw.org to learn more about conducting a supply drive to support low-income school children.

- # # # -

About IEUW KidSmart's School Tools Program
IEUW KidSmart's School Tools program provides low-income children with new school supplies, giving them an opportunity to learn and succeed. The School Tools Teacher Resource Center (TRC) invites teachers from select schools to receive supplies for their students and classrooms, free of charge. Since the program's inception, the School Tools TRC has conducted 1,538 teacher visits and distributed $1,012,403 worth of products to benefit 46,140 children in our local schools.

About Inland Empire United Way
Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with local community leaders, businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, and individuals to build a stronger, healthier community. By strategically investing in programs and initiatives, such as 2-1-1 San Bernardino County, HandsOn Inland Empire, KidSmart, and Pathways, long-lasting and positive changes are made in the lives of children, families, and individuals. The IEUW service area covers portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. For more information about Inland Empire United Way, please visit our newly designed website at www.ieuw.org.

back