A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Florence Christian Church school supply drive uses unique model to ease burden for struggling families


Florence Christian Church is collecting funds through the end of August for their annual School Supply Drive. Each year, the church collects donations to purchase discounted school supplies to donate to the 36 elementary, middle and high schools throughout Boone County.

There are many barriers to education for children suffering from mental illness, experiencing language barriers, or living in families that are stressed by job loss or homelessness. The annual School Supply Drive at Florence Christian Church aims to remove one barrier to success for students in Boone County from low-income families. That barrier is access to school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

Back-to-school drives are not uncommon, but the Florence Christian Church effort is unique in its targeted approach. Maleah Rhodes, the volunteer administrator of the drive, has been involved for more than 15 years.

(Photo from Florence Christian Church)

Rhodes said the most effective and equitable way to meet the needs of as many children as possible was to let the schools distribute the supplies to the children who don’t have what they need.

“I communicate with the Family Resource Centers at each school and get a specific list of supplies the teachers have asked for,” she said. “The Resource Coordinators then ‘order’ supplies from us. The schools get exactly what they know will be used and the students receive classroom-specific supplies.”

This is particularly true for high school students according to Laura Mosqueda, Conner High School Youth Services Center Coordinator.

“High school students do not have specific school supply lists like younger grades,” said Mosqueda. “They often get their supply lists the first day of class. For some parents and guardians who do shift work or wait for their next paycheck to get stuff for their children, this system does not work. Sometimes students are even dinged if they do not bring in their supplies by the allotted time.”

Mosqueda said allowing schools to have supplies available, students are not made to feel “less than” immediately as the new year. Teachers are able to have students discretely approach administrators so they are able get the supplies they need.

Kathy Roaden, Thornwilde Elementary School Family Resource Center Coordinator, said the program also serves to reduce stress among students who may face a language barrier or other circumstances that make communicating their needs difficult.

“For students with language barriers, to have the necessary school supplies helps them to feel comfortable in knowing that they are prepared for class,” she said. “They do not have to try and explain or understand what is needed and why they may or may not have it. So by providing them with the needed supplies we are easing any initial stress and anxiety about going to school.”

Roaden said families experiencing homelessness or other dramatic life events are often forced to prioritize what they need to survive, and school supplies often fall low on that list. Those tough decisions can create an unnecessarily stressful situation for students.

“Not that they don’t want their children ready to attend school, but worrying about paying the bills or having a safe place to sleep will take precedence,” said Roaden. “By taking one small thing off their plate, providing school supplies, gives them a little breathing room to focus on other things. This is a huge stress reliever for families facing a crisis. ”

Garrett Griffith, Collins Elementary Family Resource Center Coordinator, said students in difficult financial or mental health circumstances already face a number of barriers to effective learning, and the Florence Christian Church schools supplies program is another step to breaking down those barriers.

“Students who are struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues already face challenges impacting their full access to learning,” Griffith said. “By providing them with school supplies we can help bridge the gap some may face to increase their ability to participate in learning.”

The School Supply Drive continues through August 31. Donations can be made at florencechristian.breezechms.com by selecting “Give to School Supply Drive” from the drop-down menu or by check mailed to the church at 300 Main Street, Florence KY 41042.

Florence Christian Church


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