Page 60 - Harnett Life Fall 2020

Support Students Through

Community Programs

(Family Features) As kids prepare for the upcoming school face the same challenges with academics, some are at more of a
year, school supplies remain critical to their success. While disadvantage because their access to remote learning resources
school districts struggle with the challenge of delivering educa- is limited or parents are unable to assist at home. You can help
tion and resources to students amid a pandemic, many parents by volunteering to tutor students as they practice learned skills
are working to determine how they will ensure their children and get back into the swing of a new school year.
have the necessary supplies.
Donate supplies. There are 30 million children in the Unit-
Community youth programs are innovating to fill gaps and en- ed States whose parents will have to choose between buy-
sure kids from low-income families in particular are equipped ing school supplies or other necessities like putting food on
with learning materials and supplies, enrichment activities and the table. Consider adding extra common items like crayons,
food. For example, when schools closed, local corps of The markers and glue when you shop for your own children and
Salvation Army started adapting creative alternatives to their dropping them off at your local youth center. Campaigns like
youth programs to provide activities, snacks and educational The Salvation Army’s “Stuff the Bus” events allow shoppers
materials like coloring sheets, scavenger hunts and more to to purchase and drop off requested items at collection bins lo-
keep kids entertained and learning. cated at the front of participating retailers.

If you’d like to make a similar impact in your community, con- Get involved with extracurricular activities. If you have a par-
sider lending a hand in one of these ways: ticular skillset or experience, for example as a high school or
college athlete, lending your knowledge to a local youth group
Tutor or mentor students. Although most kids across the nation can help provide a constructive outlet for kids while enriching
Page 60 Harnett Life ~ Fall 2020