Do you remember your first day of school?
It’s the beginning of a new school year and almost everyone has new clothes and new shoes. Most everybody has new school supplies from the list the school sent out to the parents. You’re kind of excited about the new friends you’ll make, but nervous at the same time. All you want to do is fit in.
Almost every kid has this experience and hopes for the best. At the Nashville Rescue Mission we try to help the kids staying with us have as normal a life as possible. We want them to go to school, make friends and fit in. This is why every fall, along with donors and volunteers, the Mission makes sure these students start the school year off right.
Because of your support, last year 77 children and youth staying at the Mission received backpacks filled with new school materials, hygiene items and other helpful supplies. Every student got a new pair of shoes and received school uniforms.
“I think it’s important the kids feel connected, welcomed and accepted at school. We want to do whatever we can to make this happen.” –Mary Crutcher, Director of Guest Services at the women’s campus.
For kids dealing with the daily chaos of homelessness, school can be an important source of stability. Attending school provides them with a safe haven and a shot at normalcy, but most of these families are unable to obtain the things that help each student to fit in and give them a sense of pride.
We are looking to provide more than 80 backpacks for the upcoming 2011/12 school year. These backpacks and school supplies will help students who may have lost most or all of their personal possessions get what they need to feel confident and be prepared for the new school year. With your help we can make this happen!
Download the Back to School Wish List. Our Donation Center is located at 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, open Monday – Saturday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.