READY FOR SCHOOL: HomeFront’s Back to School Drive is aiming to provide backpacks, school supplies, and necessary clothing items for more than 1,000 area children. The start of the school year is approaching, and HomeFront needs sponsors to contribute and donate supplies by August 18. (Photo courtesy of HomeFront)

By Donald Gilpin

Many Mercer County children need school supplies, clothing, and shoes to start the new school year, and HomeFront’s Back to School Drive is calling for widespread community support to ensure that those students are well prepared for the opening day.

“Feeling and looking their best is really important to most kids, especially on that first day of school,” said Chris Marchetti, director of HomeFront’s Joy, Hopes, and Dreams program. “The Back to School Drive aims to help our parents provide youngsters with new clothes, shoes, book bags, and supplies, so they can feel on top of their game, ready to learn and prepared for the year ahead.”

The HomeFront Back to School Drive, which is now in its 30th year, will run through August 18 with a goal of meeting the needs of 1,500 students. Last year’s drive successfully outfitted more than 1,350 local children, while helping to foster a sense of enthusiasm for learning and empowering the next generation to thrive on their educational journey, according to HomeFront.

“With the academic year just around the corner, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to excel in their studies,” said HomeFront Director of Development and Community Engagement Meghan Cubano. “Our Back to School Drive aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to afford essential school supplies, clothing, and shoes, ensuring that students can fully focus on their education without any worries.”

HomeFront notes on its website (homefrontnj.org) that there are many ways to help. Participants can sign up to sponsor a child; organize a drive to sponsor several families; donate gift cards to Old Navy, Target, or Walmart; or make a donation to HomeFront’s Back to School Fund.

“The first day of school can be hard — especially for students affected by poverty and homelessness,” states the website. “Your support allows our kids to start the school year off with the tools they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

Participants who choose to sponsor a child will be given a set list of items needed for their individual backpack. Each child’s list will also state whether they need a back to school outfit or a new uniform and the sizes of clothing and shoes they wear.

The shopping list might include a new shirt, pants, a skirt, underwear, socks, shoes, and a host of school supplies like notebooks, a three-ring binder with paper, folders, pens, colored pencils, erasers, rulers, glue sticks, tape, crayons, and safety scissors or, for middle and high school students, a scientific calculator, a geometry set, a stapler, a composition notebook, and subject dividers.

Also needed for some backpacks and for HomeFront’s Artie the art van is an assortment of art supplies. “Artie delivers art supplies, creative experiences, and smiles to Mercer County’s under-resourced children,” according to HomeFront.

Donations can be dropped off at the HomeFront main office at 1880 Princeton Avenue in Lawrenceville, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Dropping off by August 18 will ensure that the items get to the families and children in time for the first day of school. For art supplies there will be an additional drop-off donation opportunity Saturday, August 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Baxter Construction parking lot at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell.

HomeFront Marketing and Communications Specialist Jay Moschella reported on August 7 that the Back to School Drive was about halfway to its goal with about 10 days to go. The needs of those affected by poverty and homelessness in Mercer County are growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic is over,” said Moschella, “but there is still a crisis for human services.”

Moschella pointed out that the number of evictions has been rising, and there are more and more people who can barely keep afloat. “More people than ever before are coming to the HomeFront food pantry,” she said.

“We know that education is a key to success for families clawing their way out of poverty,” said HomeFront Chief Executive Officer Sarah Steward. “With the community’s support, we will make sure that every child has the basics to ensure a strong start to another important year in school.”

HomeFront offers more than 30 integrated programs which deliver immediate and long-term solutions for families in the crisis of homelessness. These supports include shelter; affordable housing; education; child care; preschool; summer camp; after-school programs; employment training and placement; case management; and necessities such as food, clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and furniture.

For more information or to sign up to support the Back to School Drive, visit homefrontnj.org, call (609) 989-9417 x150, or email getinvolved@homefrontnj.org.