I am not a teacher, but there was no way I was going to correct the excited 5-year-old boy who was in line at one of our seven annual Supplies for Scholars events. His enthusiasm was contagious as he prepared to start school, and moments like that are what make this program so special.
This year marks our 12th season, and I’ve been fortunate to witness every one. Each summer, nearly 2,500 Delaware County scholars from every local school district receive the supplies they need to start the school year strong.
While our main goal is to ease the financial burden for families and ensure students are equipped to learn, Supplies for Scholars is so much more. That is where the magic happens. From picking out the design of their backpack, walking through the line to fill it up with supplies, meeting with our partners to learn about great resources, or getting a free haircut right there onsite, the day is about hope, joy, and looking forward to a fresh start. The smiles are contagious, and joy can be felt everywhere.
Thanks to our amazing sponsors, we can focus on how best to reach all corners of Delaware County in a way that is equitable, dignified, and provides an element of choice. We are excited to add a new sensory-friendly event this year to better serve all families. We truly want every child to leave ready and excited for school.
Learn more: https://www.delawarecountyfamilies.org/sfs.
If you work in the nonprofit sector or serve on a board, you know that this is a difficult time. It is easy to focus on the threats to funding and the murky public policy environment. I get it. I just spent a few days with colleagues advocating for our sector and priorities on Capitol Hill, and the wins are few and far between.
However, the families that we serve still need us to show up with a smile and serve with joy. They need us to be the same community problem solvers that we always are. In difficult times, I would challenge us all to lean in and serve with new enthusiasm and hope, because our families deserve that.
Keep doing great work. Your community needs you now more than ever.
