The nonprofit organization SPUR is gearing up for the start of the school year with a school supply and backpack drive.
The drive supports more than 750 students in Lynn, Marblehead, Salem, and Swampscott who would not otherwise have the supplies they need on the first day of school.
“Students are identified by a school guidance counselor, a food-pantry director, or social worker in their life who knows and understands their needs so we can really make sure that we’re meeting a meaningful need for every single student,” Director of Communications and Community Relations Kimberly Nothnagel said.
Historically, SPUR has served students in kindergarten through 12th grade, but this year the organization is expanding the program to meet the needs of students in preschool.
“For us, this is brand new. If you look at the importance of preschool, it really is setting students up for success for not just the rest of their academic career, but frankly, the rest of their lives,” Nothnagel said. “Studies show us that kids who go to preschool have better educational outcomes, have better employment outcomes. Preschool is really such an important chapter and in providing supplies for students for whom this would otherwise be financially out of reach, we’re really setting them up for lifelong learning.”
She said SPUR buys all of the school supplies wholesale and is currently looking for monetary donations to meet its $65,000 goal. The organization is approximately a quarter of the way to reaching its goal, which has to be met by Aug. 16.
“It feels like there’s so much promise and potential in every one of these backpacks and every one of these supplies. And so it feels so exciting, and it’s so much fun to be here with the volunteers to pack all that stuff,” Nothnagel said.
The organization provides school supplies for individual students based on their specific classroom needs and personal interests.
“We’re making sure that they feel a sense of belonging, that they have the self-esteem that comes from feeling prepared to learn. So it’s about a whole lot more than pencils and paper, really about making sure we’re supporting our community in the way that this community needs that support,” Nothnagel said.
Those who would like to volunteer for SPUR or sponsor a student can visit https://www.spurnorthshore.org/sponsorastudent.
