In order to set up Valley children for success in the coming school year, Southwest Human Development hosts its sixth annual Back-to-School Supply Drive while Wildflower Arizona is heading up a ClearMask donation drive for low-income schools. Here’s how you can help.
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to early childhood development. Aware that many families will spend more than $500 on school needs this year, the nonprofit is aiding those in low-income neighborhoods with supply needs.
In order to take part in its Back-to-School Supply Drive, locals can donate online at swhd.org/schoolready. (Online back-to-school drive donations are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.) For businesses or organizations interested in joining the back-to-school supply drive, contact Annette Sutfin at 602.633.8416 or asutfin@swhd.org.
New school supplies needed include:
Backpacks
Spiral notebooks
Pencil boxes
Scissors
Glue sticks
Box of pencils
Box of pens
Box of colored pencils
Filler paper
Box of crayons
1-in. binders
Pocket folders
Rulers
Dictionaries
Lunch bags
To meet a unique need this school year, Rhegan Derfus of Wildflower Arizona, an infant feeding and childhood development consulting service, is spearheading a ClearMask donation drive for low-income schools throughout Cochise County.
Understanding that facial expressions are crucial to early development of relationships, language and social emotional development, ClearMasks will aid in keeping kids and teachers safe while also promoting such development.
Wildflower Arizona is accepting monetary donations or masks. To donate, e-mail Rhegan at Info@wildflowerarizona.com. Know a school in Phoenix or Tucson that could benefit from donations? Contact Rhegan to facilitate donations in your community.