Five Types of School Supplies For Older Youth You Never Thought To Donate

Back to school usually generates a spurt of projects to help children prepare for another school year - and the influx of Dora and Spiderman backpacks, the crayons, the markers is a blessing for families who can't provide these items. 

But one group of students often overlooked but just as much in need of support are older youth - students who are trying to maintain and succeed in school in spite of the odds - poverty, family instability, homelessness, the need to also hold down a job, care for siblings and more. 

And they literally need more stuff. High school instructors can be demanding when it comes to the type of notebook, the type of pencil, etc. There are special calculators needed for advanced math courses critical to college admission. There are art supplies, sewing supplies and other items essential to post-secondary education and a step out of the turmoil and trauma. These are not "wants" - these are things needed to help these young people do exactly what we ask of them - stay in school, make good grades and plan a future.

So give a thought to how you can play a part in walking that walk by donating one of more of the following

• Messenger bags and laptop cases -Did you receive a new bag as a freebie at a recent coference? Perhaps you recently upgraded and your "old" bag is still in good condition. Maybe you never really used that backpack from REI. Adult sized and "themed" bags are much needed. Some of the youth do have laptops or tablet thanks to generous family members or the rules of inheritance. A reliable case, not so much. For some, a messenger bag is more comfortable or easy to manage - and some of the youth have disabilities so giving them a choice is a very respectful thing to do. 
• Calculators. I've seen a dozen tweets from parents bemoaning the purchase of calculators for kids who already own advanced cell phones. Most of our kids have pre-paid phones with minimal features, not smart phones. So your outgrown calculator with trig functions could mean the difference between their participation in a higher level math class (and college) or being forced to (re)take the class that fits their tools. 
• Hygeine Products. High school students need deodorant, tampons, pads, shaving cream and razors, good soap, and often on-the-go products like disposable wipes when they don't have regular access to a bathroom. Sometimes the shelter bus comes before they get in line for the shower. Sometimes the water is turned off until payday. Sometimes they are simply exhausted from school, activities,  and their PT job. None of these items can be purchased with food stamps (SNAP) so it there's no extra cash in the household , they aren't purchased.
• "Fancy Supplies" - protractors, fine tipped pens, art supplies, cooking class supplies, sewing class supplies, things I call "Fancy" just to differentiate them from the everyday.  I took a semester of sewing when my Dad was laid off so there was no money to pay for the required supplies. Everyone else made stuffed animals, I used the teachers leftover fabric to make an ugly ugly sweatshirt and swallowed humiliation with each stitch. I never sewed again. It is heartbreaking for a youth with talent and a dream be unable to pursue it - at the tender age of 14 - because no one has the cash to purchase the needed supplies. 
• Gift Cards - Some youth might like to select their own backpack and binder. Others could sure use a quick meal between school and work. Some live for the joy of a Starbucks treat. And others have certain needs when it comes to deodorants and maxipads - perhaps a fragrance sensitivity or they might even have coupons. This one is about the dignity of choice and the life skill of managing your resources.