Pencils, two boxes of crayons, a box of tissues, two bottles of glue, scissors – the list of school supplies required for elementary students goes on.
Twelve items make the roster for pre-school and kindergarteners on the Houston Independent School District Web site. Fourteen for first grade, 17 for second, 20 for third, 21 for fourth and 23 for fifth and sixth graders. The cost of packages of paper, backpacks, watercolors and highlighters add up quick. Add to that the cost of class-specific supplies and the price of attending elementary school graduates to a higher level.
Fortunately, parents in the Greater Houston area can catch a break, thanks to Operation School Supplies.
Founded in part by the Houston Alumni Organization, the Operation helps gather donated school supplies to distribute to 32,000 elementary school students in 330 schools (see story, Page 1). To be eligible to receive supplies, 50 percent of a school’s students must be on a free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch program.
The program helps young students go to school prepared, and helping educate people, especially young people, is a commendable mission -†one we’re glad to see UH taking part in.
Since it was created in 1990, the organization has raised more than $1 million to purchase new school supplies, and more than $150,000 worth of supplies were donated or purchased in 2007 alone.
Students should help out the Operation’s noble efforts by donating supplies. With drop-off locations on campus through Aug. 1, it’s easy to help further the program’s goal and make attending school easier for low-income families.
Another easy way to help is by purchasing Coca-Cola products (another founder) at HEB stores. A portion of the price will go toward the Operation. The grocery store also has coupons for sale at registers through Aug. 9, and proceeds will be used to buy supplies.
College students’ budgets may be stretched thin, but it’s the knowledge that was built on a solid education in elementary, middle and high school that allowed many students, faculty and staff of the University to get where they are today. One should remember that fact and help give a child the same opportunity.
