Back to School!?!

It’s July and believe it or not, we’re halfway through summer! While you may not be thinking about getting your kids ready to go back to school, we are at Hope for Single Moms. Back to school means school clothes and shoes, backpacks and all the school supplies they will need. It means spending money. We want to ease the pain and the stress of getting ready.

One goal at Hope for Single Moms is to help you stretch your hard-earned money and connect you with resources that help you do that. Here’s our list to help you make that happen.

• Google
  • “free school supplies near me”
  • “churches near me” and
  • “community centers near me.”
• Check with your child’s school district and the school—principal, teacher, guidance counselor
• Check with your local police and firefighters. They often have back to school drives.
• Local food banks may or may not have school supplies. But you can check with them to see if they know any organization in the area that does. Locally, contact www.FeedWM.org  or 616.784.3250
• United Way 2-1-1: (800) 887-1107. Call for info about documents need for a referral.
• Kent County Community Action,121 Franklin St SE, Ste 110, Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1132
• Ottawa County Community Action Agency, 12251 James Street, Suite 300,Holland, MI 49424-966
• Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.  Back to School event Aug 18 at 726 Madison. More supplies added at club meetings. Apply to become a member. Tons of fun activities. https://bgcgrandrapids.org/families/

• ONLINE RESOURCES:
  • https://buynothingproject.org/
  • https://freecycle.org/signup
  • https://www.dollartree.com/
  • https://www.walmart.com/lists/back-to-school
  • Facebook Marketplace
• INEXPENSIVE PLACES TO SHOP
  • GOODWILL. Find the location nearest you. https://www.goodwill.org/locator/
  • WALMART. Online, pick up or delivery
  • DOLLAR TREE. Online or visit the store.
• INEXPENSIVE CLOTHES
  • ONCE UPON A CHILD. https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/
  • PLATO’S CLOSET. https://www.platoscloset.com/
  • STYLE ENCORE. https://www.style-encore.com/
• YARD SALES: Search
  • CRAIGSLIST.ORG Search Yard Sales
  • GARAGE SALE FINDER. https://garagesalefinder.com/

Many teachers use their own money to help their students out. We have a great resource in Grand Rapids for teachers to get free school supplies for their students. Let your child’s teacher know. https://www.storehousemi.org/products/just-for-teachers

There are also bulk supplies available for free for schools that qualify. If you’re a school principal or teacher, find out if your school qualifies. https://www.storehousemi.org/produts/school-building-bulk

We hope you find this helpful. Please update us with any other wonderful resources you find, so that we can share them with everyone. And don’t forget an apple for your teacher!