A featured article from FGT Host Coordinator and former teacher

As a former teacher for both impoverished students and for students who have the essentials, I know how vital school supplies are for a child's education. I know how students appreciate having the basic tools they need to learn. Those of us who have the means to provide these tools feel inspired to prepare our children for the future. For those that struggle daily to provide the necessities, a backpack full of supplies presents a daunting cost.

It's easy to imagine the difficulties students from low-income families face in school; trying to focus on the lesson at hand when distracted by the fact that you're missing necessary supplies like a calculator or dictionary, or even paper and pens.

Did you know? 

More than 388,000 children in the Bay Area  qualify for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Meal Program, and will need help getting school supplies this summer. Last year, through our Back to School Drive, we were able to provide more than 21,000 of them with backpacks filled with the tools they need, but many more children will need assistance again this year!

You can help.

• Register to lead a Back to School Drive. No matter the size of your company, sports club or meet-up group, you can make a significant impact. If you've already registered, thank you! Sign up to lead a drive here. 

• Spread the word! Share our website on your Facebook page or LinkedIn Network. Invite your friends to lead a drive.

• Be Creative! Think of fun ways to raise donations and backpacks. Treasure Hunts are fun! Or during the neighborhood 4th of July BBQ, have everyone bring school supplies and backpacks.

Working together, we can prepare our children to succeed in school and take that first step toward a brighter future.

- Dawn Frownfelter, FGT Host Coordinator

(408) 946-3111 Ext. 226 

I'm not exactly losing sleep just yet but we've reached the middle of May, and we still do not have a warehouse for our Back to School Drive! I am reaching out to you in the hopes that you know of some company or organization that might have a facility we can use.

As a reminder, what we are looking for includes:

• About 45,000 square feet, mostly open floor space
• Electricity
• Working bathrooms and plumbing
• A loading dock (would be nice)
• Greater Silicon Valley - San Jose area
• Mid-July through the end of August

If you have a lead for us to follow up, please contact:

Davidbk@familygivingtree.org or call (408) 946-3111 Ext. 200

Al@familygivingtree.org or call (408) 946-3111 Ext. 228

Thanks!

- David Bratton-Kearns, COO Family Giving Tree 

Silicon Valley companies understand the importance of a strong education for all our children.

In fact, our 2012 Back to School Drive sponsors donated $120,000 to help bulk purchase backpacks stuffed with new school supplies for 6,000 children in need.

Public Service Announcement Sponsors contributed $15,000 to spread the word about our drive that resulted in strong growth and support for our drive last year. In addition, we are extremely grateful for organizations like Texas Instruments, SanDisk and Cisco that continue to provide long-term partnerships.

Your organization can participate as a

Back to School Drive Sponsor!

For more information, contact our Development Department:

Jeanne Clabaugh jeanne@familygivingtree.org or

Theo Olson theo@familygivingtree.org 

Our Back to School Drive helps to reduce the effects of poverty that can often be a barrier to a child's success in school and life. Not only is education a path out of poverty for our most vulnerable children, it also is critical for a prepared work force.