Kingsport YMCA Accepting Donations

KINGSPORT YMCA ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

As the upcoming school year approaches the National Retail Federation says families with school-aged children will spend, on average, more than $840 on school supplies this year. As the uncertainty and burden of inflation increases, many low-income families in our area cannot afford to pay these higher prices.

The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA Back-To-School Supply drive is back to help bridge the gap between what families can afford and what students need. Donations go a long way in helping the kids in the Kingsport area and who participate in our Afterschool and Y on Wheels programs be successful.

According to a Lending Tree report, an estimated 1 in 3 parents of school-age children expect to go into debt when shopping for back-to-school supplies. That percentage has consistently risen over the past three years from 26% in 2019, 30% in 2020 and 33% in 2021.

“There are a lot of deserving families out there who just need a little extra help.” Says Vice President of Child Development Rhonda Helton. “It makes a huge difference to these kids and families when they know they have the support of the YMCA. These families just don’t have the extra funds to afford all the supplies their kids need for school.”

It is estimated that around 71% of parents who plan on shopping for school supplies haven’t started shopping yet and will most likely wait until late July or early August until they do. To help mitigate costs, some parents are choosing to purchase school supplies through second hand shopping, purchasing items such as school books, clothes and electronics.

The YMCA will be accepting school supplies through the end of July. A list of needed supplies can be found at the YMCA and on the website at ymcakpt.org. Items needed include backpacks, pencils, notebooks, pens, markers and art supplies to name a few.

“Each year we do this, we always have such a great community response,” Lauren Owen, Member Impact Director says. “We hope our members and community will continue that tradition and help us make a difference in these kids and families lives.”

Donations can be dropped off in the Kingsport Family YMCA Lobby throughout July.