Help Alameda's Low-Income Students Start the Year Off Right

Even old pros get first day jitters when it’s time to go back to school, but imagine having to start class without basic school supplies.

That’s the case for hundreds of Alameda low-income students and that’s why several community organizations have joined together to ask for your help.

The campaign is called Equipped 4 Success and it is supported by the Alameda Education Foundation, the Alameda Unified School District, the Alameda Point Collaborative, the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, and the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and Families.

Those running the drive say that even a small donation makes a big difference and will help ensure that Alameda students have a backpack filled with basic school supplies when they start the school year. The goal is to distribute 800 backpacks to low-income students served by the AUSD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Program, the Alameda Point Collaborative, and the Alameda Boys & Girls Club during the week of Aug. 20.

There are three ways community members may donate:

1. Make a donation of $10, $20 or $30, and in recognition of your support, receive 25-50 percent off from some of Alameda's favorite restaurants and wineries. (These rewards don't cost Equipped 4 Success a dime). Click here to make a donation and receive the special rewards.

2. Make a tax-deductible financial donation here or mail a check to the Alameda Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1363, Alameda, CA 94501.  Please indicate “school supply drive.”

3. Make an in-kind donation of school supplies. Please click here for items being accepted.

The Equipped 4 Success drive ends on Aug 18. More information may be found at www.alamedaeducation.org.

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