Back-to-school pictures often capture some of families’ favorite memories. A child poses in their first-day-of-school outfit with their backpack slung over their shoulders. They smile a cheesy grin, waffling between excitement and nervousness. Even when you’re not the child’s parent, you probably still feel, at least, a twinge of joy.
Every student should feel the pride and hope that comes with getting to go learn. Sadly, not all students do. For more than 15 years, people and workplaces in our community have tried to change that by setting Pre-K to 12th grade students up for success.
Community members help by donating important items. Helping Us Give School Supplies (HUGSS) provides Anchorage School District (ASD) students with what they need to learn. HUGSS encourages people to donate school supplies for students in low-income households. It also hosts an event where these households can pick out items for their children. HUGSS aims to distribute 5,000 supply-filled backpacks to ASD students. Click here to donate.
By supporting HUGSS, you’re helping some families alleviate the burden and expense of purchasing school supplies. Our whole community benefits—but especially students. Children receive the items that they need to do well in their coursework, stay in school, graduate and join our workforce. The support goes full circle.
Whether during the school year or over summer break, United Way of Anchorage supports initiatives advancing education, school districts helping vulnerable students and households struggling to meet their children’s needs. We’re committed to setting students up for success and seeing them through their schooling. To reinforce our commitment, this year, we donated $1,000 to HUGSS, making us a Bronze Sponsor.
Right now, The Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators, Lutheran Social Services and Anchorage School District are collecting and organizing school supply donations and scheduling volunteers. On Friday, August 2 the HUGSS event runs from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Parents and guardians of ASD students in Pre-K through 12th grade should go to Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School, 4025 E. Northern Lights Blvd., which can be accessed from the entrance off East 20th Ave. If you’re interested in receiving transportation, view the schedule.
For more information, please call the HUGSS hotline at 64-HUGSS. When you dial it, you’ll enter (907) 644-8477. You can also visit www.asdk12.org/hugss. Thank you for helping more students feel great headed to their first day of school in 2024!
