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As the economy continues to struggle and people use every penny they have to put food on the table, more and more families struggle each year to buy school supplies. Kids and teens want the latest gadgets to keep up with their friends, and these gadgets are typically not cheap. Meanwhile parents want to buy the fewest items as cheaply as possible.

If you are lucky enough to have the means and the desire, donating school supplies is an excellent way to help the families struggling around you. Donations are needed now more than ever. Many times you can find supplies around your own house. There are many organizations that would be happy to take any supplies you would be willing to donate.

Churches

Most churches collect school supplies to help needy families in the congregation and in their community. Call churches in your area to find out if they are accepting supplies for the coming school year. Many organize large supply collection drives during the summer months. This is a perfect time to donate any supplies you have collected over the last year.

Donorschoose.org

This website is designed to help teachers help their classrooms. Teachers fill in information that describes what is needed for their classroom. Interested donors read the descriptions and choose what project they are interested in helping support. The website takes care of getting the supplies to the teacher. Teachers' requests are varied and if you don't want to fund the entire request you can send in a smaller donation.

Local Schools

Sometimes the simplest method is the most effective. Call your local school and ask about donating supplies to local classrooms. Many teachers spend more than five hundred dollars each year of their own money to help the students in their classrooms. Even the most basic supplies go a long way in a needy classroom.

Other Countries

If you are looking to help students in other countries, there are many relief organizations dedicated to sending school supplies overseas. Again, your local church is a good place to start if you are looking for an organization that collects supplies. Don't forget soldiers overseas as well. They often use donated school supplies in their relief efforts.

Before donating, clean out your house and ask your friends if they would like to donate. Get together one night and organize the supplies into boxes and backpacks. Supplies don't need to be in perfect condition. Sharpened pencils work as well as the new ones fresh out of the box. Teachers and students are excited with even the most basic supplies.

Some supplies that teachers are interested in include pens, pencils, lined paper, three ring binders and crayons. Many times these items are available at local retailers for a discounted price. Call local stores and ask if they have supplies available to donate to your local school. You may be surprised at what stores will provide.

Donating school supplies is an easy way to help your community or schools far away. Children will smile when provided with the materials that you help supply.

Learn more about this author, Cathy Pearl.
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