HopeLink of Southern Nevada Enlists Community's Help in Back 2 School Drive

Online, July 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The start of the school year is around the corner, and many students are facing the year with clothes that are too small, limited school supplies and feelings of insecurity. These children need help from the community, and HopeLink of Southern Nevada is asking for donations of back to school essentials for valley children who truly need it.

HopeLink of Southern Nevada, a Henderson non-profit organization that focuses on preventing homelessness and keeping families together, leads several collaborating organizations in the 10th annual "Back 2 School Celebration" event August 20.

"Back to school is around the corner, and many students don't have the financial ability to go shopping for that perfect first day of school outfit," said Daniele Dreitzer, executive director of HopeLink of Southern Nevada. HopeLink is asking the community for help in providing back to school essentials.

"Nearly 55% of the registered children in the Clark County School District are eligible for a free lunch, and are therefore, considered low income," said Dreitzer. "These are the same families that would have a difficult time providing clothing and school supplies for their children."

A back to school outfit, new shoes and proper supplies can all help boost the confidence level of a child whose family can't afford to purchase these essentials, according to Dreitzer.

"Many of these children have never had the luxury of wearing something new," she said. "They might have shirts that don't fit or shoes in a size too small, and as a result can have a hard time focusing on their school work because they are insecure about what they are wearing. Especially for teens, feeling they don't have what their friends have can really affect their attitude towards school in general. We want to give them a confidence boost and enable them to concentrate on school and not the possible shortcomings at home. Education is the key to these children escaping the cycle of poverty in which their families may have lived for generations. A positive attitude towards school and education is critical. "

There are several ways the community can help. To 'adopt' a student and provide a new back-to-school outfit and pair of shoes, call HopeLink at 702-566-0576 or visit the web site at http://link2hope.org/hl-program-service-event/events.php. New back to school outfits and shoes for children ages 6 to 18 can also be dropped off by August 5 at Old Navy at Town Square.

Donated items will be distributed to children who have pre-registered for the event during HopeLink's 10th annual Back 2 School Celebration on August 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Valley View Recreation Center. Items will be distributed to approximately 1,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 who are all from families struggling with poverty. Families must have registered children in advance in order to receive items that day. In addition to the community donations, each child who participates will receive a backpack and school supplies, generously supplied by members of Central Christian Church.

"We are hoping this is our most successful year in securing back to school donations and appreciate anything the community can do to step up to the plate and make going back to school more fun for a child in need," Dreitzer said.

HopeLink of Southern Nevada assisted more than 1,800 families last year, providing rent and utility aid, food, clothing, prescription assistance, education and literacy programs in southern Nevada. In addition to these families, HopeLink provides new books and a healthy breakfast snacks to hundreds of children with the Breakfast Bookworm program and coordinates the Back 2 School event every August. HopeLink's staff and clients work together to develop concrete action plans personalized to each family, helping the families focus their attention on getting out of "crisis mode" and work toward long-term solutions.