Happiness is a backpack full of school supplies, a new outfit and new sneakers for the first day of school – especially for children whose families are affected by poverty and homelessness.
That’s why HomeFront hopes to distribute about 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies and new outfits in time for school. The nonprofit group, which is headquartered in Lawrence Township, helps the homeless and the working poor.
Community members can help fill those backpacks by Aug. 5 by sponsoring a specific child or children, organizing a supply drive or making a tax-deductible contribution to HomeFront’s Back-to-School Fund, HomeFront officials said.
HomeFront clients’ children often lack the basic resources to succeed in school, which can limit their future opportunities, officials said. But a backpack full of supplies can help to level the playing field and give them a chance to succeed.
Helping HomeFront client families with backpacks and other necessities makes getting ready for the first day of school a joyous occasion, as it should be fore parents and children, officials said. It starts the children on the path to a successful year in the classroom.
“When the school year rolls around, I worry less about how I am going to get supplies for my son, thanks to HomeFront’s Back-to-School drive,” said HomeFront client Iasia C. She said she appreciates HomeFront’s small act of kindness, and she hopes that it can continue to help clients like herself.
It is easy to sponsor a child or to donate school supplies by signing up at HomeFront’s website at www.homefrontnj.org, by telephone at 609-989-9417, ext. 112, or by email to getinvolved@homefrontnj.org.
Donors who choose to sponsor a child with new clothing will be provided with the child’s sex, age, clothing size and shoe size, plus the school supplies that are needed.
Volunteers shop from detailed wish lists, including favorite colors, themes and characters to ensure that every child receives clothing and supplies that reflect their unique personality and preferences. It helps children to feel seen, valued and excited for a fresh start, officials said.
Donors may also wish to provide gift cards for clothing and shoes at stores such as Old Navy, The Children’s Place, Target and Walmart. Gift cards should be handed directly to HomeFront staff to avoid being misplaced.
An Amazon wish list also is available on HomeFront’s website.
The most-needed items include the backpack itself, notebooks, folders, pens, No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, glue sticks, tape, safety scissors, headphones or earbuds. Scientific calculators for older students are needed.
HomeFront is requesting all items to be delivered by Aug. 5 to its headquarters at 1880 Princeton Ave. in Lawrence Township so they can be distributed in time for the first day of school.
Donations may be dropped off weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon.
Financial contributions to HomeFront’s back-to-school drive also are accepted. For information, please visit HomeFront’s website at www.homefrontnj.org.
