Ready to Learn
The bulk of basic school supplies and backpacks for HERO students are supplied by HERO as McKinney-Vento funded items. Additionally, we partner with PENCIL and other community groups to host drives and backpack-packing events. If your group wants to collect items or pack backpacks, we welcome the help. Families in transition or in unstable housing often need to focus their available dollars and efforts on shelter, food, and other critical costs like healthcare. A key part of feeling prepared for school is walking into the classroom with a backpack and some basic supplies, and through a mix of grant funding and community partnerships, we ensure each student can enter the classroom with that confidence.
Program in action
Backpacks are stocked with school supplies, HERO Hygiene Kits, socks, underwear and school uniform items and distributed to students by request upon enrollment in the HERO Program. Students who have clothing needs but attend a school that has a more relaxed dress code are able to shop from their in-school UniCycle Closet or with personal shopping assistance from an in-school support staff person.
Ways to Give
There are many easy ways you can make sure a child can start their day ready to learn. Click below to learn more.
Host a Drive
Hosting a school supplies drive is a great way to get your community involved in ensuring students always have the supplies they need for their classroom. Contact us for more details and to learn of current needs.
Host A Service Project
Fill the backpacks! We supply a shopping list of school supplies and backpacks, your group fills and preps them to distribute to students. This opportunity is an especially impactful service project for student groups, as they serve fellow students.