As the new school year approaches, families in the Green Bay area are facing the annual challenge of preparing their children with the necessary supplies. However, this year, four local non-profits came together to alleviate some of the financial burden for families in need through the ‚One Stop School Shop‘ event. This initiative provided thousands of students with free supplies such as pencils, markers, backpacks, shoes, socks, and underwear.
According to organizers, around 3,500 students were pre-registered for the event, highlighting the significant need within the community. Becky Darrow, director of Social Services for the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay, expressed how families who have never required financial assistance before are now struggling to make ends meet. The event was a blessing for many families who were preparing their children to return to school.
Despite the generosity of the ‚One Stop School Shop,‘ parents are aware that the free supplies may not cover all the expenses associated with back-to-school shopping. Tiffany Marshall, a parent from Green Bay, mentioned that even with assistance, families can still expect to spend around $50-100 on school supplies, especially as students progress into middle school and require more expensive items like calculators.
The cost of back-to-school shopping continues to rise, with families projected to spend an average of $875 this year, according to data from the National Retail Federation. This figure includes expenses for clothes, shoes, school supplies, and electronics, slightly lower than last year’s record high of $890. To put this into perspective, a fourth-grade student’s school supplies list from Chappell Elementary in Green Bay, consisting of 34 items, would cost roughly $145 when purchased from Target’s School Supplies List Assist.
Parents like Marshall appreciate the support provided by the ‚One Stop School Shop,‘ particularly for more costly items like shoes and backpacks. Christine Burkholder echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in helping families in need. The community response to the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with many recognizing the impact it has on students and their families.
In conclusion, the ‚One Stop School Shop‘ event in Green Bay exemplifies the power of collaboration among non-profit organizations to support families in preparing for the new school year. By providing essential supplies and easing the financial burden on families, this initiative ensures that all students have the resources they need to succeed in their education. As back-to-school expenses continue to rise, community-driven efforts like this play a crucial role in ensuring that every child has access to the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.