Back-to-School drives, fundraising events

July 29, 2014

Six weeks are left before kids head back to school and we are passing along information from two area organizations that are helping low-income and homeless families and children prepare for the upcoming school year. We’re sure that there will be more school supply drives and fundraising events in the area. We’ll post new information when it becomes available.

ACHIEVEability Backpack Drive, Fundraising events

Photo courtesy ACHIEVEability.

ACHIEVEability is holding a Backpack Donation Drive to support over 300 school-age kids in the area. When donating a backpack, please consider the following school supplies as well: spiral bound notebooks, loose leaf paper, composition books, folders, pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, calculators, pencil sharpeners, glue, erasers, scissors, crayons, etc. Donations can be delivered to ACHIEVEability’s administrative office located at 35 N. 60th Street. All donations should be delivered no later than August 22.

For more information about making a donation please contact the ACHIEVEability Development Department at 215-748-8809 or development@achieveability.org.

On Wednesday, July 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., all are welcome to join ACHIEVEability at Ben & Jerry’s shop at 218 S. 40th St and enjoy some delicious ice cream while helping ACHIEVEability help others. During the event, 20 percent of all sales will be donated to the organization.

Finally, on Thursday, July 31, ACHIEVEability is hosting a Coffee Happy Hour at the Creative Café @ Replica (3711 Market St) from 5:30-7 p.m. The Coffee Happy Hour will feature the limited-edition signature drink, the ACHIEVEaJava, available to purchase for $2 along with discounted pastries and snacks. The Café will also raffle off a $25 gift card to be used for either design/print services at either Replica location, or to be used solely in the Creative Café @ Replica for coffee and pastries. No RSVP is required for this event.

Families Forward School Supply Drive

Families Forward Philadelphia (FFP), a local non-profit that supports and provides housing to homeless families, is accepting school supply and monetary and gift card donations. Here are a few ways you can help:

Your gift of $50 can help FFP purchase two sets of school uniform and a pair of shoes to help a child have a great start to the school year. Gift cards to Forman Mills, Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart can also help with school uniforms or school supply purchases.

Donations of school supplies (see list below) are accepted by August 29. Please deliver all the items to 111 N. 49th Street. Monetary gifts can be made via the Families Forward website.

If you would like to organize a drive in your area or have any questions please contact Grace Hightower, Director of Fund Development by phone at 215-240-4828 or email: ghightower@familiesforwardphilly.org

FFP accepts donations of the following school supplies (only NEW items please):

• Backpacks (youth and teen)

• Black and white composition books (MEAD)

• Plastic scissors

• Crayons (basic colors)

• Markers (washable)

• Glue sticks

• Pencils and pencil cases

• Ink pens (Blue or Black)

• Highlighters

• Rulers

• 3 Ring Binders and dividers