Back-to-school time is often full of nerves, excitement, and a busy planning schedule. But for school parents, back-to-school time can also cause anxiety when they are fearful that they won’t be able to provide everything they need for their student. For those parents that want to support families in need during back-to-school times, or for those parents looking for an extra hand, the following are nonprofit resources that specifically provide back-to-school related needs.
Para Los Niños fosters pathways to success through excellence in education, powerful families, and strong communities for children and youth to thrive. They educate and empower over 6,000 children and their families each year and provide wrap around services that support school attendance and advancement such as early drop off and after school programming, three free meals daily, and summer bridge and enrichment courses.
Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND)
With dignity and respect, MEND’s mission is to meet immediate needs of individuals and families and increase their access to opportunities that strengthen their capacity to thrive. MEND offers a summer food program for students who might otherwise miss meals during school closures. For students who are not sure where to get school medical examinations, they offer medical clinics, dental clinics, and eye clinics.
Throughout the Back2School season, dozens of corporate partners support Club kids and teens by donating school supplies, galvanizing their employees to volunteer with local Clubs, and engaging the public to participate with them. From providing after school homework tutoring to helping with local sports teams, individuals in need can find resources through their local Club.
Operation School Bell (OSB) through the Assistance League of Los Angeles
Education is the best defense against the problems of poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse, and crime. OSB helps children get to and remain in the classroom. It is the only nonprofit that meets the complete clothing needs of LAUSD school children. In addition, their member volunteers contribute more than 25,000 hours annually to ensure that each child feels valued and special.
While The Salvation Army’s first priority is to meet basic human needs, they recognize the importance of programs that go beyond the basics of food, shelter, clothing and safety. The Salvation Army has more than 400 after school programs in the United States including homework assistance and counseling, sports, club, and extracurricular activities, and dance, art, and music programs.
Back-to-School Brigade® by Operation Homefront
Back-to-School Brigade® is Operation Homefront’s annual nationwide school supply collection and distribution campaign. They distribute backpacks and school supplies at official events throughout the country and through their national partnership with Dollar Tree stores for military children.
Lastly, we encourage you to reach out to your community’s local places of worship as these churches, mosques, and temples frequently host a variety of back-to-school fundraisers, giveaways, and events.
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