When it comes to donating to worthy causes, a complaint I hear quite frequently is: I want to give . . . but I just don’t know if the money will get to the people who need it. Case in point, panhandlers. While many people I’ve spoken with would like to help those in need, they feel odd about giving money to someone on the street for fear that their heartfelt donation will simply go to a bottle of wine or a pack of cigarettes instead of food or a clean place to sleep. As a rememdy, many people these days are offering those asking for a helping hand something tangible like a sandwich or even a gift certificate to a local fast food place (my own personal favorite . . . gives the person in need a chance to make their own choice, but you can be sure your donation ONLY goes for food). Another place this dilemma rears its ugly head is funding out local schools. There seem to be two primary camps on this in the Portland Metro area. One side arguing for more funding for schools citing overcrowded classrooms and underachieving test scores (not to mention crumbling facilities, over-worked teachers and dwindling extra curricular activities). The most common means to achieve that economic boost is via a tax hike (either temporary or permanent). On the opposing side are those who say the funding is there, it is just not being used properly (pointing to spending that is viewed as excessive or unnecessary like PERS). They aren’t interested in throwing MORE money at the problem until the schools learn how to budget more efficiently. However, while the public goes back and forth on what to do, every day children go to their classroom and may not have the tools necessary to adequately participate in their own education. Basic school supplies. Pens, pencils, crayons, calculators. There are teachers who buy these needed items out of their own pocket, but that only feeds fuel to the flames of the aformentioned debate (already undercompensated teachers shelling out their own dollars to do their job). And while community members would love to help, some fear donating money will only wind up being used in a way that they see as innapropriate or unnecessary. Enter School House Supplies (schoolhousesupplies.org) I had a chance to talk with the organizers of this group at their first annual donation drive kick off party and I’ve gotta say, it’s a pretty cool idea. They accept donations of new or gently used school supplies (backpacks, crayons, markers, pencils, everything except computer equipment) .. . $8 Million to date. Then, they disperse it in two ways: 1. Kids in need gets a back pack at the start of the school year. Each one is STUFFED with all the supplies they’ll need for the next nine months (taken straight from the schools own recommended supply list sent out at the start of the year). 2. Teachers are given multiple shopping trips to the supply warehouse where they can stock up on whatever items their room needs over the course of the year. Free of chrage, of course. Sam Leech, a 3rd grade teacher at James John Elementary calls the system invaluable. He says a generation of kids coming through the Portland School System are growing up NOT knowing what it feels like to be different or singled out because they can’t afford colored pencils or notebook paper. They are just like their classmates. And it’s all thanks to School House Supplies. SHS is trying to raise $75,000 in supplies for Portland kids this year. To donate or volunteer, check out the website: www.schoolhousesupplies.org
