Back-to-School Program - Urgent Need for Your Help

Right now, more than 1 million school-aged children in America are homeless. While the statistics are staggering, homelessness for children in grades Kindergarten through 12 has risen by 75 percent just in the past two years – the direct result of family job losses and mortgage foreclosures. As you can imagine, being homeless takes a heavy toll on a child and the unfortunate lack of stability causes many children to fall behind in school. Locally, Community Shelter Services’ “Back-to-School” Program is preparing to help a record number of children get a positive start as they to head back to the classroom this Fall.

You can be a part of the solution by sending a homeless or disadvantaged child the message that school is important. Will you help by providing a boy or girl with the new clothing and school supplies they need to start the school year off right?

This school year, Erie’s Community Shelter Services’ Back-to-School Program will help more than 200 students in grades Kindergarten through 12 who don’t have the financial resources to purchase new clothing, uniforms, shoes, backpacks and school supplies they need for academic success.

Please Support a Student Today
Sponsoring a student not only sends the message that school is important, but your gift will boost a disadvantaged child’s confidence and self-esteem the entire school year.
• Every dollar donated to our Back-to-School Program directly benefits a student in need
• Every child helped by this program receives assistance from our homeless or emergency shelter, or lives in downtown Erie’s Little Italy neighborhood
• The average back-to-school cost for one student is $200

How Can I Get Involved?
We invite you to support our Back-to-School Program in a way that best fits your ability
• Purchase a gift card in the amount of $50
• Make a financial contribution by mail (655 West 16th Street, Erie PA 16502) or online at www.communityshelter.org
• Fill a backpack with school supplies (please be sure to only purchase a sturdy backpack that will last a child the entire school year)
• Personalize your donation by inviting your family or children to join in the shopping experience. Call Georgian Turri at (814) 453-4613 and ask to directly sponsor a child on our waiting list

Please say “Yes!” and help a student look good and feel great this school year by supporting Community Shelter Services’ Back-to-School Program! We are profoundly grateful for anything you can do to help the most needy children in our neighborhood.