Support Educational Equity for Bay Area Children

As the school year winds down for many students, teachers, and parents, we are just beginning to plan for the new year. Equipping students with everything they need requires year-round work, and the Family Giving Tree strives to meet our recipients where they are and provide exactly what is essential for learning.

This year, as we surveyed our partner educators about their students' needs, we discovered some interesting new information. Some of the most needed items included arithmetic flashcards, headphones, and… water bottles? Yes, reusable water bottles were considered an essential school supply. And it makes sense. When students have access to free, safe drinking water, they can focus on learning instead of how thirsty and dehydrated they are.

This prompted us to spring into action with our spring campaign, Bonus Bundle Bonanza, which allows our supporters to provide the bonus items as well as health and hydration packs containing BPA-free water bottles as well as toothpaste, tissues, floss, and our signature toothbrush as a way to promote healthy students. With the community’s support, each student will have all these tools in addition to the essential school supplies to participate in the classroom.

As students return to the classroom during this new year, Family Giving Tree is already thinking about what they will need for the next school year. Many school supplies run out halfway through the year, and the rising cost of living means essential school supplies for the new school year are further out of reach.

While parents try to shield their children from the difficult decisions they must make when budgets don’t cover everything, many still understand the reality and stresses on their families. 

“I was very surprised to have received a free backpack along with many materials that were very useful to me. Now that I am a senior, there are many expenses coming up, and not having to…ask my parents to buy materials and a backpack I see as a blessing and benefit. Thank you.”-- Priscila, 12th grade Migrant Education 

This year, we hope to work with over 300 schools to provide essential school supplies to those students who would otherwise walk into the classroom unprepared to do the work.