Drive-In Supplies to Drive Up Success: West Side Dems Step Up to Help Students
It’s not too late to help:
Drop off school supplies at 925 5th Street NW, 87102 or donate money via PayPal at westsidedems.org
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the health and well-being of families across New Mexico and has been particularly devastating for families of school age children. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) services almost 70% of students on free or reduced lunches, many of those residing on the west side of Albuquerque. With families struggling to put food on the table, school supplies for children have become a luxury many families can’t afford.
However, students from low-income households will miss educational opportunities that are vital to breaking the cycle of generational poverty if they don’t have the necessary supplies to help with their instruction and education. Fortunately, many members of the West Side Dems have stepped up to help provide basic and essential school supplies for students.
In cooperation with teachers and principals from Westside schools, certain supplies have been already been purchased for 100 students. One hundred glue sticks, markers, crayons, 24 count pencils, glue sticks and notebooks have been purchased. Notebooks and pens are still needed to get a child through the semester.
School supplies for a child average around $80 per child per year. Monetary donations are welcomed and will help buy last minute supplies as APS and teachers move towards online and virtual distance learning. West Side Dems have contributed nearly $1,000 in donations to finish purchasing a school supply kit for 100 students.
The need, however, is greater than our efforts thus far. APS has announced that students begin in person classes after Labor Day, September 7, 2020. We need your help. Lack of funds is not an excuse for denying our students a sufficient education. Please help give the gift of learning.
We have excited teachers and principals who have agreed to spend Sunday, August 30, 2020 putting together school supply kits. We encourage you to drop off supplies or make an online donation by then. 100% of donations and supplies will go directly to a student in need.