For most children back to school shopping is a ritual that is looked forward to and signifies the end of summer and beginning of fall. The first day of school has each student feeling prepared; wearing brand new uniforms, carrying a theme backpack stuffed full of school supplies and getting excited about the school year ahead. 

But what if you spent the summer in a shelter? Or if there was no money for uniforms, shoes or backpacks this year? The beginning of the school year would be a time of anxiety, not excitement.

In late August, Lazarus House celebrated the start of school by handing out new uniforms, shoes, backpacks and undergarments to the children living in the shelters. Also, parents in the neighborhood met and continue to meet with our community advocate, Jennifer Etesse to receive emergency school supplies and clothes. Etesse shares, "The children are so excited and grateful for what they get. It's nice because they are not receiving a generic one-size-fits-all backpack. The children feel like it is a gift that was picked out especially for them. This year the need for supplies has increased. Budget cuts are forcing other agencies to turn people away who are then referred to Lazarus House for help. Fortunately, we have been able to fill most of the requests for supplies!"

"Although children may live in a shelter, when they get to school they want to be a kid just like all the other students in the school. It's hard enough to be picked up at the emergency shelter by the school bus without having the additional concern of not having the right supplies or uniforms. This year we clothed 35 children with new shoes, multiple sets of uniforms, socks and undergarments. Even our pre-school children starting nursery school or day care for the first time are given some new clothes as we want them to be excited about the start of school and to recognize the importance of an education," stated Kelly Townsend, Volunteer Coordinator.

Attending school helps give children living in the shelter a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. Would you like to help out? Contact Kelly Townsend, Volunteer Coordinator at (978) 269-5217 or email her if you have an activity idea, would like to volunteer or be added to the  "emergency needs contact list". 

Dinorah Polanco, a student of the Culinary Training program at Lazarus House in 2010, was one of the teachers helping out a new class of trainees. As a full-time cook at Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH she was part of the Guest Chef team that taught the students how to make mozzarella. After graduating from the Culinary Training program Polanco continued her studies by receiving a certification in cake decorating. She has started a side business named, Dreamy Desserts by Dinorah. To find out more information about her business call (978) 876-7586.