Collecting School Supplies for Our Community Kids

The kids are back in school, but unfortunately we know that not all of them have the school supplies they need for the year. A new backpack or binder just won’t fit in a struggling family’s budget.

Grant Park dad and Edward Jones financial advisor, Paul Harrison, realized the need and has designated his office a collection point for school supplies that will go to the Neighborhood Charter School and King Middle School.

“I’ve been in the neighborhood for ten years, and have been at this office for four, and just thought that this would be something simple I could do to give back,” Harrison said.

Harrison’s office is conveniently located near both schools, and while his daughters are too young to attend the schools he’s donating to, he hopes they will attend Neighborhood Charter School when the time comes.

“We have a lot of friends whose kids attend the Charter School and they feel there is definitely a need for this.”

Harrison is extremely busy with clients (as you can imagine, with the current state of folks’ finances) but found this to be a way to give back without too much effort. And it brings people into his office, which never hurts.

“I don’t feel like I do enough to give back,” he said.

This simple gesture proves that even if you aren't able to log hours volunteering each week or month, you can still make a difference.

Harrison plans on taking the supplies to the schools after August 19 and will be collecting until then. As for what has been dropped off thus far, it’s mainly notebooks, pencils, highlighters, binder folders, crayons and smaller items. Loose-leaf notebook paper is one item of which more is needed.

And while the basic supplies are necessary and much appreciated, some “big ticket” items would really help kids in need.

“Bookbags would be outstanding! Or even some sort of lunch carrier or cooler,” Harrison said.

Aren't our neighborhood kids worth it?

Drop off is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday through Aug. 19 at 583 Grant St.