Every year, teachers make lists of school supplies their students will need for the upcoming school year. Then, parents and guardians head out to purchase everything on those lists. On top of that, teachers often purchase many of the same supplies, plus extras, to make sure their students have everything they need to succeed throughout the school year.
When Back-to-School Shopping Becomes a Challenge
However, for some families, back-to-school shopping means making difficult choices about what they can afford. From binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and art supplies to backpacks and more, the costs can add up quickly.
Teachers always do their best to make their supply lists affordable and often purchase additional supplies themselves to help students who may need them. But teachers can only do so much, especially when those extra costs begin to add up for them as well.
That’s where the community comes in.
Why Not A Pear Steps In
For the past few years, Why Not A Pear has partnered with Acushnet Public Schools to help local families in need with back-to-school shopping.
Each summer, teachers from Pre-K through 8th grade at Acushnet Public Schools send us the same supply lists they provide to parents, along with a list of students who need help getting those supplies. Each year, that typically includes around 20–25 students across all grade levels.
Then, the Board and volunteers of Why Not A Pear go shopping!
We gather all of the supplies on the lists, pack the backpacks, and get everything ready for the students. Once everything is prepared, we meet with Dr. Paula Bailey, Superintendent of Acushnet Public Schools, and her wonderful staff to drop everything off.
From there, parents and guardians can stop by before the school year begins to pick up the supplies their children need.
Supporting Families in Smaller Communities
We have been doing this for a few years now, and one thing we’ve learned is that programs like this are often more common in cities. When people think about families who may need help purchasing school supplies, they may immediately think of nearby cities like New Bedford before thinking about families in smaller towns.
There are programs in place and resources available for students in many city schools, which is absolutely wonderful. But that doesn’t mean families in smaller communities, like Acushnet, don’t need support too.
That’s where we come in.
By helping students in a smaller community, we’re helping make sure every student has access to the supplies they need and the same opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared and ready to learn, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
The Impact on Acushnet Families
We asked Dr. Paula Bailey a few questions about this program and the impact this support has had on Acushnet Public Schools and local families. When asked, “How has this help positively affected your community?” she responded:
“The impact of Why Not A Pear extends far beyond the supplies they provide. For families who are struggling financially, the beginning of a school year can bring tremendous stress. Knowing that their children will have new backpacks filled with everything they need provides both financial relief and peace of mind.
Over the years, we have had parents and families express their sincere gratitude, sometimes through tears, because of how much this support means to them. Those moments are incredibly powerful reminders that even what may seem like a small gesture can make an enormous difference in someone’s life.
Their kindness also sends an important message to our students: they are valued, they are supported, and their community cares about them. That sense of belonging is something you simply cannot put a price on.”
She also continued to say:
“What makes Why Not A Pear so special is that their support is not limited to one particular program or initiative. They recognize that every child’s needs are different, and they are always willing to help us find a way to meet those needs.”
Small Things Can Make a Huge Difference
Those kind words are a reminder of the impact of what we do. Getting school supplies may seem like something small to many people, but for a family that is struggling, that extra help can make a big difference. It can mean having a little more to put toward keeping a roof over their heads, food on the table, while still making sure their kids are geared up and ready for school.
Small things can make a huge difference for so many people.
At Why Not A Pear, we believe that every student and every child deserves a positive learning environment where they have the tools and support they need to succeed. We understand that this can look different for every student depending on their individual needs and circumstances.
We also understand that not every family or school has the resources to provide everything a child may need, with the cost often being one of the biggest obstacles.
That’s where we come in. Or, as Dr. Paula Bailey says:
“They don’t simply talk about helping others; they put their compassion into action.”
Putting Our Compassion Into Action
Our fundraisers are always a great time. But while we love bringing people together and having fun, there’s a much bigger reason behind every event we hold. We raise funds so we can continue supporting programs like this and helping children and families in our local communities.
It’s how we put our compassion into action!
Looking for support or programming for your child or a child who learns differently? Learn more about how we can help. Want to help us continue supporting others? Make a donation here!
We pride ourselves on putting the money you donate toward programs that directly support children and families throughout Southern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who supports our fundraisers, donates, volunteers, or helps spread the word. Your support allows us to continue doing what we do and make a difference for families in our communities.