Donations sought for school supplies

It’s still the middle of the summer, but it’s not too early to plan ahead for the start of school.

Britepaths is asking for donations of backpacks and funds for school supplies for students in the Justice and Fairfax high school pyramids.

The nonprofit’s Collect for Kids Back to School Program will benefit 2,500 students at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School, Glen Forest Elementary School, Justice High School, and several schools in Fairfax.

Financial donations will allow Britepaths to purchase pre-assembled school supply kits.

Community members are asked to donate funds via Britepaths’ secure online donation page or mail a check to 3959 Pender Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Write “Back to School” in the memo line.

The organization is also collecting 700 new backpacks, preferably large ones. They can be dropped off at Britepath’s partner businesses through Aug. 1 or ordered on Britepath’s Amazon Wish List.

In addition to co-sponsoring the Collect for Kids Program and serving as a donation site, Twins Ace Hardware in Fairfax City is hosting a “round-up at the register” donation campaign through July 31.

“Working families in our community who were already dealing with the effects of the prolonged pandemic have been further stretched by the higher costs of food, gas, rent, and other necessities,” says Britepaths Executive Director Lisa Whetzel. “When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, the thought of having to find funds for school supplies on top of everything else is extremely stressful.”

For more information, contact Britepaths at 703-273-8829 or [email protected].