Helping kids get the school supplies they need: organizations making a difference

In the coming weeks, many kids will bound through school hallways proudly sporting their new backpacks full of pencils and binders and notebooks—but others will not. Shopping for new supplies is exciting and helpful in getting kids excited for school, but unfortunately, it’s not a possibility for every family.

With the rising cost of school supplies, more and more families are struggling to provide. It’s hard for a child to succeed when they’re not set up for success, which is why we wanted to share some taking steps to ensure everybody has the supplies they need.        

Community Action Partnership of Orange County

The CAPOC runs an annual Backpacks for Success program, which provides eligible students in grades K-12 with backpacks and supplies they’ll need for classes. Supplies are distributed each year throughout the summer. For this season, the goal is to provide 3,000 local students with a complete set up for school. The CAPOC also offer food banks and utility assistance for low-income clients year-round, among their other outreach projects. 

Friendly Center

The Friendly Center doesn’t just do a seasonal supply giveaway—they continue it all year. As the oldest non-profit in Orange County, they not only provide supplies but also offer various other programs that promote stability and hope for families in poverty. From parenting classes to food drives and child support groups, their services have been helping people for nearly 95 years.

Share our Selves

Launched in 1994, the SOS back-to-school program has given countless kids hope and the ability to participate in classroom activities. Last year, they donated 4,000 backpacks full of supplies to local students. This year, they hope to give even more. Other SOS programs include a nationally recognized health center and safety net services that help people through comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Orange County United Way

United Way sponsors school supply drives across the nation, including right here in Orange County. They collect supplies for elementary through high school aged students and have age-specific lists to help donors shop for the right items.

School on Wheels

Children across the area experiencing homelessness often lack access to quality educational opportunities. School on Wheels was created to fill the gap. They not only offer school supplies to students who need them, but also one-on-one tutoring, guidance, scholarships, and specialized assistance in entering schools.

Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center

This school supply drive supports the 78% of low-income students who start the year with inadequate supplies. Through September 1^st, they are accepting donations to help equip disadvantaged students with the tools they need to succeed. The OC Child Abuse Prevention Center also offers a range of other programs designed to encourage safety and success for local children and their families.

Families Forward

Each summer, Families Forward collects school supplies and clothing to give to students in need. They offer a range of age-specific items for students in grades K-12. Along with the annual back to school program, Families Forward helps homeless families find housing, hosts a food pantry, provides counseling and career coaching, along with events to support the community throughout the year.

Assistance League Irvine

Since 1990, the Assistance League has run Operation School Bell (OSB) to support local children. While most programs focus on providing school supplies, the OSB program gives clothing to K-12 students in need. Many children have never worn new clothing until receiving it from OSB and feel a boost in confidence as a result of having adequate clothing. When students feel better about themselves, they can do better in school.

Just by being a member of Nuvision, you’re helping support the community outreach work that we do. From helping provide calculators to a local classrooms to our financial literacy essay challenge, we are committed to supporting education and financial literacy for the next generation.