This year the Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) will distribute 5,000 school supply kits across more than 20 counties in eastern North Carolina as part of a partnership program with schools and youth programs. This is a demonstration of the GCF goal to create opportunities for a better life through supporting the academic success of children in eastern North Carolina, especially those living at or near poverty.
The school kits consist of pencils, a pencil sharpener, crayons, erasers, spiral notebooks, hand sanitizer and scissors. The total cost for GCF for each school supply kit is approximately $5. If a parent bought items for the same kit, it would cost them approximately $14.80, plus shopping time.
“The students are really appreciative and they’re in awe that they get something to themselves,” said Stephanie McLean, director of regional community development for the Goodwill Community Foundation. “They’re excited to find out what treasures are inside and by personally distributing the kits, we’re able to have an interaction with each child,” McLean told the Robesonian.
This is the sixth year for the GCF School Supply Kit Initiative. In August GCF gave kits to children participating in youth programs and is reaching out again during this critical time of year when resources are low and the pressure on the students to succeed is higher due to end of grade testing.
“Meeting this need assures that a child has the essential tools necessary to succeed in school,” said Rev. Dennis McLain, president of Goodwill Community Foundation. “Not only does this resource provide financial relief, but it also saves the parent the time and transportation costs associated with purchasing these items.”