The Somerville Homeless Coalition is currently holding a school supplies drive for back-to-school items for Somerville students.

By Cathleen Twardzik

It’s that time of year again – time to start a new scholastic year. Sniff that new backpack smell, show up with that spiffy lunchbox, and jot notes down in that shiny and colorful notebook that you selected after you stepped with satisfaction into the school supply aisle of your local store or online go-to spot.

This year, some students’ staple school “supply center” will be the Somerville Homeless Coalition, which is located at 255 Elm St., suite 204.

Right now, the coalition is holding a school supplies drive for all those back-to-school items, so ask your parents to donate some school supplies (or use your allowance money) to make all the kids’ days – so they can feel the way you do when you’re in your favorite store.

So, what should you donate? Pens with blue or red ink and mechanical pencils are on the “most needed” list of items whereas pens with black ink, pencils and crayons are “not needed” The in-between list, which is entitled “needed” includes, colored pencils, laptops and lunch boxes. Atop the “most needed” list are the following items: backpacks, binders, binder dividers and binder paper. Additional items are listed on a page on their website: https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/School-Supplies-Drive-Flyer.pdf.

What is the most important goal or part of this program? “We started this drive two years ago when family clients’ from our Supportive Housing Program started asking for help with getting their kids’ school supplies before the start of the academic year. Over the last couple [of] years, we have continued to see a rising pattern in clients across our programs who need support in getting essential supplies for their kids so that they are fully prepared for the school year,” said Paul Murphy, Development and Communications Manager. He has been involved with the Somerville Homeless Coalition for the past two and a half years.

Importantly, “This year marks the first time we launched the drive as its own event,” said Murphy.

Debuting in “the summer of 2022,” this event has run annually.

Somerville’s youth is in caring hands at the coalition. “The School Supplies Drive is currently the only youth-focused event/drive we host to support our student clients and their families,” he said.

How else does the coalition help? “We also support our young adult clients in school by providing laptops and other needed items.”

In prior years, “25 to 30 young clients” have been assisted school supply-wise, according to Murphy.

Throughout their 2025 drive, there will be even more to look forward to. “Due to the positive responses, we are getting to this year’s drive, we plan to improve the drive next year with a heavier online marketing campaign to reach more people and gain more support,” he said.

The deadline for individuals to donate items is Monday, August 26.

Why? “So that we can start distributing supplies to families ahead of the start of school,” said Murphy.

Their office on Elm Street is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it is closed daily during lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please use the following email address if you have questions: pmurphy@shcinc.org.

It’s not quite time to hit the books, so make school supply donation part of your back-to-school schedule, and make some kids smile.