Anyone who has children knows how expensive it is to get them ready for school. In 2013, “The costs for basic supplies was up about $40 to $50 per grade category: $161.27 for elementary school (a 33% increase), $198 for middle school (a 32% increase) and $893 for high school (a 5% increase),” according to USA Today.
Now in its eighth year, Geauga County Job and Family Services is pleased to once again sponsor, Help Me Learn Day, a fun and worthwhile school supply distribution program that assists low income children in Geauga County.
In 2013, Help Me Learn Day served over 615 children from every school district in Geauga County. We anticipate the need to be just as great this year. The supplies distributed range from crayons and pencils to binders and back packs. Help Me Learn Day is made possible because of the generosity of the Geauga County community. All of the supplies distributed come solely from donations.
Two separate Help Me Learn Days are planned, one at Geauga Co. JFS on August 11, 2014 and the second at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center on August 14, 2014. Families must pre-register and demonstrate a financial need to qualify. Children and their parents are invited to Geauga JFS or Chagrin Falls Park where volunteers will help the children “shop” for their school supplies.
There are many creative and inexpensive ways to contribute to Help Me Learn Day. Last year, numerous groups, clubs, and vacation bible schools collected supplies for this event. Families hosting parties, birthdays, or reunions asked guests to bring school supplies. Churches collected supplies during their Sunday offerings
Monetary donations are used to purchase school supplies. If the funds allow, monies donated to Help Me Learn Day will also assist families with fees to participate in after school activities for the coming school year. These fees can be quite costly and for families who struggle every day to make ends meet, this is an expense they simply can’t afford.
If you would like more information about donating, volunteering to set up or pass out school supplies, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rex Brobst at 440-285-9141, ext. 1263.
