YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Back to school is right around the corner and we know school supplies aren't cheap.
Organizations across Yuma are working to ease the burden for parents, and United Way Drive 4 School Supply is one of them.
Karina Jones, executive director of the United Way of Yuma County, said the initiative has been running since 1999, making it the longest running initiative in Yuma County.
“What's special about this is we serve all the districts – Dateland, Welton, Yuma, San Luis, Summerton, Gadsden – we deliver the backpacks directly to the schools,” Jones said.
Teachers and counselors submit requests and United Way fulfills them.
“Depending on the area and the need, some schools will get 50 backpacks, some will get 150, and we make sure those schools receive the backpacks by the first day of the school year,” Jones explained.
Parents can also call the school to notify administrators that their child needs a backpack.
“So if a parent is looking at this and they see that they can't fill the list or they can't purchase a backpack, they can call the school directly, regardless of what school they go to. We provide that to all the schools, so a parent can call the school and the school can make sure that a backpack is given to their child,” Jones said.
Approximately 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed throughout Yuma County.
“It's very hot, so I keep reusable water bottles in there, headphones for the little ones, earbuds for the older kids, and a variety of other supplies,” Jones said. “Pens, pencils, files, notebooks, the usual stuff you'd find on most classroom supplies lists.”
The backpack will be delivered in approximately 2 weeks.
If you'd like to help as a volunteer, there are many ways you can get involved.
“First, the cost of the backpack is $12. It includes the backpack, supplies, a reusable water bottle, and headphones. Anyone can donate $12 and essentially support a child. If you want to volunteer your time, you can join our Website” continues Jones.
Jones thanks the community for their continued support over the years.
“We've been around since 1999 and we couldn't survive without not only monetary donations but generous donations. It takes a long time to put this together. We have a staff of three, so a lot of people give up their time to come and help sort and pack backpacks. We couldn't make an impact on the school without the community,” Jones said.
