Channel 9's School Tools Campaign Helps Local Families

As the school year quickly approaches, there are many children in Charlotte who don't have the supplies they need.

That's why Channel 9's School Tools Campaign, which kicks off Aug. 1, is so important to local families.

Charlotte mom Sandra Warren said the campaign truly makes a difference for her children, Damion and Delon.

“That's all my kids been talking about – ‘Mom, we going back to school! Mom, when we going back to school?’” Warren said.

Getting them prepared can be expensive, especially when it comes to school supplies.

“It's a little hard if you don't really have no help,” Warren said.

School supplies for one child can sometimes add up to more than $100, and many people can't afford that.

Last year, Warren looked to the School Tools Campaign for help. The program is a partnership between Communities in Schools, Channel 9 and Classroom Central that collects donations of school supplies from the community.

Angela Beavers with Communities in Schools said when students don't have those supplies, it affects their perception of school and their motivation.

“I think it has a huge impact on their self-esteem, as well, because you go to school and you know you're already different because you don’t have the materials that you need,” Beavers said.

She said the need will be greater than ever this year, but she’s hopeful the community will step up.

“Even if you can only donate one pack of pencils, that would have a true impact on students,” Beavers said.

For Warren’s two young sons, it made a difference, and their mother is grateful.

“It's a big relief, like, you can go to somebody and say that you need help,” she said.