Annual School Supply Drive
Sunrise Rotary continues their support of outfitting our needy children in the area as the 5th Annual School Supply Drive is scheduled for August 9, 2007. When the program first started, we helped about 60 children. In 2006, the number increased to 245. The number has quadrupled in the four years since we have started. In speaking with the Salvation Army, they expect the number to increase again in 2007.
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| Dana being interviewed in 2007. |
| (Click on picture for more pics!) |
According to recent article in USA Today, Wal-mart estimates the average cost of back to school supplies a family will spend on a school age child will be $563.00. I believe this number includes gym shoes, clothing, and eye glasses. The exact breakdown is not provided. In this article, Wal-Mart says it is cutting prices on back-to-school items and other products in a move to combat the effect of high gas prices on customer's spending.
As everyone knows, I have two boys. Both of them attend elementary school. We recently went out and purchased school supplies. My list included the standard, back pack, phy. Ed shoes, pencils, notebooks, folders, crayons, markers, color pencils, glue, and scissors. However, my second grader also needed a simple calculator, three dry erase markers, and a steno pad. My 6th grader needed red correctors?? which I said was red pens, Two fine point sharpies, and not any box of Kleenexs, a square box. We spent $88.42 without buying phy. Ed. Shoes which we bought earlier for $85.58. Without buying any clothes, I have spent $174.00 which divided by 2 equates to $87.00. I am sure other club members can relate. Like I say, its more than notebooks, pencils, and crayons.
I remember two years ago, when a Noon Rotarian said to me, "I can't believe families can't buy school supplies, you can find notebooks and pencils for less than a dime and crayons for a quarter." My response was that there is more than just notebooks, pencils, and crayons these days and when you are having trouble putting food on the table, it doesn't matter a notebook is less than a dime.
Although the drive is not completed, I would like to thank the club for all of their help. I think this is a great project that makes our club shine a little brighter.
| My 2nd graders list is as follows: | |
|---|---|
| Item: | Costs: |
| One-subject notebook | .10 |
| 2 pocket folders | 1.00 |
| pencils - no mechanical pencils | .79 |
| erasers | .79 |
| glue - no gel or paste | .20 |
| crayons | .20 |
| makers - washable | 1.00 |
| lge box of Kleenex | 1.67 |
| 1 pair of phy ed shoes | |
| school bag | 19.81 |
| 3 dry erase markers | 3.99 |
| simple calculator | 1.99 |
| small school box | 1.99 |
| 1 ruler | .79 |
| Scissors | .79 |
| steno notebook | 1.00 |
| My 6th Graders list is as follows: | |
|---|---|
| Item: | Costs: |
| pencils or mechanicals | 3.99 |
| package of red correctors | .50 |
| 6 single subject notebooks | 6.00 |
| 2 folders with pockets | 1.00 |
| loose leaf paper | .20 |
| 2 black fine point sharpies | 2.99 |
| 1 highlighter | .50 |
| lg box of tissue | 1.67 |
| phy ed shoes | |
| lg eraser | .50 |
| crayons | 2.79 |
| colored pencils | .80 |
| 12" ruler | .79 |
| Markers | .80 |
| Both kids need : | |
|---|---|
| Item: | Costs: |
| 2 pocket folders for Music | 2.00 |
| 2 pencils | .79 |