Back to school time is often filled with joy and anticipation as children shop for new school supplies; excited to show off the latest fashions and a fresh new haircut for school pictures. But for so many in our community, the start of the school year is not new or exciting at all.
The National Federation of Retailers reported that parents with children aged K-12 planned to spend an average of $789.49 to prepare for the 2021 school year, topping the previous record of $696.70. Thousands of low-income families in our community struggle to provide the basics, let alone prepare their children for the upcoming school year.
Now in its 14th year of operation, Back to School PBC! is an annual event that helps prepare 10,000+ at-risk Palm Beach County Students for the upcoming school year. Back to School PBC! positively impacts these children by providing the tools and confidence needed for academic success. Due to the risk of Covid-19, necessary adjustments have been made to minimize the risk of community spread while still providing these families much needed access to school supplies and health resources. This year, Back to School PBC will be a drive-through event. Children will still receive much-anticipated new backpacks pre-packed and brimming with grade appropriate school supplies, a new pair of shoes, socks and more! In addition, adolescent girls will receive necessary feminine hygiene kits. Because we cannot offer in-person basic health assessments this year, we will provide families with a package full of free and reduced priced healthcare resources for the whole family, to encourage healthy living.
Back to School PBC! focuses on children from low-income households, homeless, at-risk of homelessness or in foster care in Palm Beach County. Approximately 75% of the children qualify for Medicaid, 15% have private insurance and 10% have no insurance. 98% of the recipients are on free or reduced school lunch program. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has disproportionately impacted this already vulnerable population. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we continue to provide these families with the sense of stability, security, and support that Back to School PBC! offers.
The event will take place on Saturday July 24th. Local Nonprofits whose students will receive supplies include Achievement Centers for Children and Families, Best Foot Forward, Boys and Girls Club of Delray Beach, CityHouse Delray Beach, Habitat for Humanity SPBC, Milagro Center, and more. You can help by donating, volunteering, hosting a collection, and/or spreading the word about this community wide event.
Spirit of Giving is proud to be one of the Collaborative partners for this multisite event with Palm Beach County, Office of Community Revitalization, Palm Beach Sheriff Office, and Children’s Service Council.
Back to School PBC! is just one of the important accomplishments of the Spirit of Giving Network and its team of nonprofit organizations, corporate and individual donors, and volunteers. Our organization is helping local nonprofits provide more resources by working together. Will you join us in our mission? To learn more about the achievements and initiatives of the Spirit of Giving Network or to donate to Back to School PBC! visit www.spiritofgivingnetwork.com.