Photo above courtesy of North Hills Community Outreach.

Shopping for back-to-school supplies in Pittsburgh can feel overwhelming: According to the National Retail Federation, families with kids in elementary through high school are likely to spend as much as $850 or more on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics this year.

Kids equipped with proper learning tools are better able to participate in class and can achieve more academically, say teachers involved with The Education Partnership. And kids who are prepared with supplies are more likely to finish homework assignments. Success also comes from the sense of confidence and positive self-esteem that develops when kids are prepared and ready to excel.

But the financial strain is real. Rising prices can make it difficult for parents to provide kids with their back-to-school needs.

Here’s one solution: Pittsburgh organizations continue to help by delivering back-to-school goods to kids who need them. Those who need can get donations, and more fortunate families can help the cause by shopping and donating supplies. You can get your own kids involved: Shopping for others is a terrific way for kids to develop empathy and a generous spirit. It’s a great project for the whole family.

All the organizations mentioned below can use help through Amazon Wish Lists, and they offer volunteer opportunities.

North Hills Community Outreach helps families in the northern suburbs work through tough times, which include the back-to-school crunch. The organization has spent the summer collecting and distributing new backpacks, notebooks, colored pencils, scissors, pencil boxes and other school supplies. And on Sept. 1, NHCO will begin collecting for their fall/winter drive. The organization will be collecting and handing out new winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves for kids from infants to 18-year-olds.

To sign up to receive supplies, contact Vicki Burstynowicz by phone at 412-487-6316 (choose option 1, then extension 3143) or by email at vdburst@nhco.org.

Bazzy & Bubba’s Backpack Brigade

Again this year, Richard Bazzy and the Bubba Show from 100.7-FM Star radio hosted the Bazzy & Bubba’s Backpack Brigade, an annual drive for school supplies. Over the past nine years, the team has collected over a half million dollars in school supplies for kids and teachers. The Brigade teams up with the Education Partnership, Audacy and Shults Ford in the effort. They will be sharing all donations with under-resourced schools across Southwestern PA.

Interested in donating? There’s still time. You can donate virtually right here.

 

South Hills Interfaith Movement

The caring folks at South Hills Interfaith Movement are preparing to help kids with school supplies in Pittsburgh. The organization has been providing food, clothing and services to people in need throughout the South Hills for more than 50 years. The organization has been collecting school supplies all summer long and will be holding a back-to-school supply giveaway tomorrow, Aug. 15, from 10am to 1pm at SHIM Bethel Park. If you’d like to help, you can make a donation here to help SHIM support families.

Pittsburgh Public Schools

Thousands of Pittsburgh Public Schools families will head to the North Shore on Monday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 13th annual #PittsburghForPPS. The back-to-school distribution will help equip kids to jump into the school year with all the resources they need for success. We’re told that in-person registration at Acrisure Stadium is full, but families can receive book bags stuffed with supplies and food at the drive-thru line. Go to Gold Lot 1A (792 West General Robinson St., outside Acrisure).

The Education Partnership

It’s all about the basics at The Education Partnership, which provides essential classroom items for kids and teachers in low-income districts throughout the seven-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The organization’s impact supports 201 schools and has provided more than $65 million worth of school resources since 2011, reaching more than 374,000 kids.

A $25 donation will equip a student with supplies for the entire school year. You can collect, buy and donate school supplies at anytime during the year. You’re welcome to drop off donations from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays at The Education Partnership, 281 Corliss St., Pittsburgh, PA 15220.

The Education Partnership welcomes volunteers at their headquarters. Teens who are looking to log volunteer hours can arrange for Saturday hours during the school year.

National Council of Jewish Women-Pittsburgh

The National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh has advocated for families for over 125 years. The council partners with about 22 community agencies to identify kids with needs. Its Free Kids Clothing and Thriftique Voucher Program help throughout the year, as the seasons and family circumstances change. The effort helps underserved kids start school on an equal footing with their peers by “shopping” for new supplies and clothing at no cost. The experience allows kids in grades K-5 to begin the school year on a positive note.

Homeless Children’s Education Fund

Staff members and volunteers at the Homeless Children’s Education Fund collect and fill new backpacks with age-appropriate school supplies. They travel by school bus to deliver the goods to kids through partner organizations and agencies that focus on homeless housing. Want to help? Contact the HCEF via email at info@homelessfund.org for donation drop-off details.

Foster Love Project

Foster Love Project supports foster kids and their caregivers. One of the organization’s programs is its annual Back2School distribution. More than 200 foster kids receive new, brand-name sneakers, sweatshirts and backpacks stuffed with goodies. Foster Love continues its work year-round and is glad to accept donations at any time.