(WXYZ) — As parents prepare they are finding the cost of going back to school is going up. For some, the money simply is not there to buy needed supplies.
“I am from the east side of Detroit. It wasn’t always the easiest,” said Branden Hunter.
“My mom had 5 kids and she couldn’t always get anything. I want to help those mothers out, those families out, who may not be able to get school supplies.”
Branden Hunter who grew up on Detroit’s East Side now works as a journalist for The Michigan Chronicle. He says if you want to donate school supplies, they can be dropped off at the Michigan Chronicle this week.
He organized the 4th Annual Landen Maxwell Hunter Foundation Back to School event on Sunday September 1st from 2 to 6p.m. They will give backpacks to kids in need, plus offer haircuts, uniforms, and entertainment. It is happening Pingree Park.
“I want them to feel confident, not ashamed to go to school, because i know how it can be,” said Hunter.
“I want to help as many kids as possible not go through the same experience of having the same old ripped backpack every year,” said Hussein Hachem, who ownsEducare Student Services, a tutoring business in Dearborn.
He says he also remember what it is like not to have all the supplies called for when it is time for school. He says in his work tutoring children he sees the need for supplies everyday. With the help from donors he is hoping to give 1000 students in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Detroit supplies.
One of several events is a health fair at Med-Right Pharmacy in Dearborn Heights on September 7th at noon. He says helping with something like this is an act of patriotism.
“Any successful and prosperous nation is based on education,” said Sachem.
He says he is accepting donations of school supplies at the Educare Student Services offices. He also says if you are in need and cannot make it to the health fair, you can contact his business.
The Garden City Hospital Emergency Department is giving out school supplies to those in need on Thursday, August 29 from 4 to 7pm. Stop by the Backpack to School supplies drive at Garden City Hospital by the Medical Office Building entrance to pick up a FREE sling backpack filled with school supplies donated by the GCH staff and information about bullying prevention and backpack safety for your child.
Ypsilanti Community Schools is putting on the Third Annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Prospect Park. The bash starts at 12 p.m. and is open to students regardless of district. They will have backpack and school supplies to give away.
Many community organizations are stuffing backpacks with school supplies for children in need and providing them directly to schools. If your child is struggling and you need supplies, you may want to ask your school administrator for resources at the school.
All events have a limited amount of backpacks and supplies to giveaway.
