Help with School Supplies for Kids of Single Mothers

It is estimated that the average family spends around $900 per year on getting the kids back into school. This amount covers what families are spending on purchasing school supplies and clothing for the new school year. That’s a lot of money for most families to come up with, and may be especially challenging for single mothers. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save and get help with school supplies for kids of single mothers and others with a low income.

Years ago, families did not have to worry about having to buy a lot of school supplies when their child headed back to school each year. They would often buy a couple of outfits for them and maybe a new lunch box and send them on their way. Fast forward to today, and most schools send home a supply list of things they want kids to have. Often times, depending on the grade, the supply list demands include things like markers, pens, paper, folders, etc.

Single mothers may struggle financially and have a hard time coming up with the extra money to pay for these items each year. Knowing that there are options and helpful programs is going to make a big difference. It will ensure the kids get what they need and that single moms will not have to try and scrape together the funds to make it happen.

Programs and Options for Help with School Supplies

Kids of single mothers need the same supplies as others, despite their likely being more financial challenges. Keeping these options in mind is the best way to help ensure that they get the supplies they need for the school year.

Supply Lists – Prior to the school year starting you will begin seeing generic supply lists that are put out by the school district and stores. They are usually geared at a particular grade, but not for a specific teacher. Keep in mind that these are generic lists and it will be costly to purchase all of those items. The better route to take is to ignore those lists and wait until the meet the teacher day or the child starts school. That’s when they will find out exactly what they need for each teacher or class. The list they bring home then will be much smaller than the generic lists and it will save you a lot of money.

Speak to the Teacher – Let the teacher or school counselor know that you are a single mother who does not have the money to purchase all the school supplies. Often times, there are some students who donate more than is required and it can be used by those who are struggling to purchase them. The teacher may be able to help you obtain what the child needs. Teachers often get school supplies donated to them that are to be used for students who need help obtaining them. You can also contact your school district and school board to inquire about helpful options.

Backpack Giveaways – Something that has become popular in recent years are backpack giveaways. They are taking place in the weeks before school starts all around the country. They are typically organized by the mayors, churches, and non-profit organizations. They give away new backpacks that are filled with school supplies. Sometimes you have to register online to receive one, other times you can simply show up. The child usually has to be at these events to receive the free school supplies. You can usually find the information about these school supply giveaways online or by contacting your local mayor’s office to see if they have one scheduled. The child will usually receive a backpack that can be used for school, along with a variety of school supplies.

Churches – The churches in your local area can be a great resource when you need help with something. Their congregation donates things, including money and supplies, to help people in the community. Reach out to your local churches to let them know you are a single mom and you need help with school supplies for your kids. They may be able to help you obtain the supplies you need.

Salvation Army – This organization has thousands of locations around the country. They provide people with helpful programs, including free food, shelter, clothing, etc. If you contact a Salvation Army in your area you should be able to get help with obtaining any school supplies that you may need. They also have thrift stores around the nation, making it easier to get low cost items. To find a location in your area, click here.

Catholic Charities – This is another organization that has thousands of locations around the nation. They provide helpful programs and may be able to help you with obtaining school supplies. Contact a location near you to let them know what you need and inquire about if they can be of service. If they cannot help you then they may be able to refer you to a local resource that can. To find a location near you, click here.

211 – This organization helps people find local resources to help with their various needs. Their service is free to use. You can call them by dialing 211, or visit their website for more information. Let them know what type of help you are in need of and then they will look through their database to find a resource in your local area that can help. To get more information, click here.

Once you have tried the places above you should be able to get any school supplies that you must have for the kids. If you have not been able to obtain them through one of those means, you could use an alternative route. For example, you can receive help with groceries through a place like the Salvation Army. Therefore, you could take the free groceries one week and use the money you would have spent on groceries to buy the school supplies.

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