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Parents look at back to school time with both eagerness and dread. Each year schools want students to come to school with more and more supplies. Kids and teens want the latest gadgets that all of their friends have. Parents would like to get through this time without taking a second mortgage on their house.

Especially in today's economy, parents are struggling to find enough money to buy all of the supplies necessary for their children to be successful in school. Sometimes there just isn't enough money. Where can a parent go for help? There are places to get free school supplies.

Churches

Many churches offer back to school supplies for families in need. These supplies include the basics needed to start school: backpacks, paper, pencils and notebooks. Ask your local church if they offer families assistance in this area.

Salvation Army

This is another agency that frequently gives away school supplies to families in need. Contact one in your area to find out if they offer assistance before school starts.

Your local school

School administrators are not blind to what is going on around them. They know that many families in their districts are in need. Don't
be afraid to contact your local school district and ask if they have extra supplies for students.

Teachers

Teachers in school districts know that there are students whose parents cannot afford school supplies. Many plan for this fact by ordering extra supplies or purchasing extra supplies out of their own pocket. There will always be an extra pencil or notebook available for children who cannot afford to buy one on their own.

Siblings

Have you looked at last year's school supplies to see if anything can be used again. There is frequently plenty of good paper left in the back of old notebooks. Folders can also be recycled and used a second year. Pencils, pens, and crayons do not have to be new to be used. Many teachers are happy to get this type of school supply; your children should be, too. Look around your house to see what you have hidden in drawers and closets.

Do not be ashamed to ask for help if you need it. In today's
economy there are many families who are struggling to make mortgage payments. Coming up with money for school supplies is another expense that is out of reach for many families. Getting free school supplies can go a long way toward making back to school and enjoyable time for both students and their parents.

Learn more about this author, Cathy Pearl.
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