As the 2020-2021 school year quickly approaches, Advocates for Children’s staff members are seeking donations to equip shelter residents for a new season of learning.
“Mechanical pencils, notepads, Wite-Out and pens are always needed,” said Dawn Landrum, Flowering Branch Children Shelter’s manager. “Gift cards to clothing stores — Target, Kohl’s, Academy Sports — are always needed to purchase clothing and shoes for our kids, and gift cards to Walmart/Publix/Kroger are always needed for food and supplies.
“It’s important to provide for our kids so that they have their best chance for success. When kids have all the necessary supplies along with love and support, they feel more confident and therefore perform better.”
Those interested, can drop off gift cards at the children’s shelter, 49 Monroe Crossing S.E. in Cartersville, or mail them to P.O. Box 446, Cartersville, GA 30120.
“Unfortunately, many of our youth that gets placed at FBCS previously didn’t have many opportunities to go shopping for their own school clothing and/or school supplies,” Landrum said. “They would often wear hand-me-downs and/or donated items. Some of our youth also experienced school semesters without the necessary school supplies to succeed or perform their best, such as scientific calculators, large binders, backpacks, etc.
“Our residents would have the opportunity to handpick their own items with these donated gift cards. Our youth would be able to pick out their own creative outfits that display each youth’s personal style. When our kids feel like they look their best, they perform their best. Having all of the necessary supplies for school also enhances their academic performance.”