For many of us getting ready to return to school is a fond memory.   Perhaps your memory is of a special day of shopping for a first-day outfit, or choosing a cool backpack to fill with pencils or notebooks.  Looking back, you might see how the cute shoes or favorite animated character binder helped build anticipation and gave you an extra boost of confidence to start the year.

Many kids in our community don’t have the opportunity to create those memories.  They won’t have the chance to begin their next grade secure in knowing they have clothes that fit and a backpack packed with supplies.  The cost of living in our region, from housing to transportation, keeps families on the financial edge.  About 80% of the families receiving assistance through KidVantage are in the very low to low-income range, making less than 50% of what is considered a self-sufficient wage in the Puget Sound area – nearly 30% are experiencing homelessness.

KidVantage anticipates providing over 13,000 pairs of socks, 15,000 pairs of underwear, 10,000 pairs of pants, 23,000 shirts, 600 backpacks, 3,000 pairs of shoes, and 11,000 school supplies, from July through September 30.

We believe kids should all have the chance to have a special school outfit, to be ready for recess with shoes and coats, and to have the school supplies they need.  Pencils & Pants is a community drive to collect new pants, shirts, shoes, supplies, and more for kids.

Learn more about how you can help kids be ready for school and ready for school success at Pencils & Pants – KidVantage – Formerly, Eastside Baby Corner (kidvantagenw.org).