School Supplies for Kids: Raises funds for students in need

School Supplies for Kids Raises Funds for Students in Need

Area businesses raise funds school supplies

Media Contact: Heather Manke 608-663-8974

MADISON, WIS. — School Supplies for Kids (SSFK), a local non-profit charity, works hard over summer break to raise $55,000 to buy school supplies for economically disadvantaged school children in Dane County. Having the necessary school supplies helps close the achievement gap and gives students the motivation to be successful in school, career and life.

Each year, SSFK develops a list in cooperation with area K-12 teachers and purchases the basic supplies required for each grade. Thousands of pens, pencils, crayons, folders, papers and other school supplies are delivered to the staging area and sorted with the help of volunteers from area businesses, foundations and organizations. The supplies are then distributed to public schools in Dane County based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students at that school.

School Supplies for Kids began helping area school children 23 years ago with just one neighborhood. It has grown to include over 140 public schools in Dane County. While the growth and success of this program are something to celebrate, the need for this program continues to increase exponentially with over 31% of students in Dane County qualifying as economically disadvantaged.

“Your monetary gift has a far greater reach than the donation of items, and allows us to maximize the dollar buying power, eliminate duplication, control for consistency, and streamline the logistics of collection and distribution,” said David Vogel, Founder of School Supplies for Kids. “Did you know just $25 is enough to equip one student with the basic supplies their education requires?”

Thanks to the generous support from individuals, area businesses, foundations and organizations, SSFK is able to raise their fundraising goal in order to increase their investment in our students. Community Partners include Mead & Hunt, Rotary Club of Madison, and Shopko. Principal Donors include Vogel Bros. Building Co., The Evjue Foundation, and The Vogel Foundation.

“Please join us in investing in our future by helping support these kids,” Vogel added. “This year we’ve set a goal of raising $55,000 by August 1. I encourage the greater Madison and Dane County communities to help us reach this important goal.”

Donations are welcome both online and by check. All donations are tax-deductible and used solely for the purchase of school supplies. You can learn more at www.schoolsuppliesforkids.org. Fans can also like School Supplies for Kids on Facebook. For media requests, please contact Heather Manke at 608-663-8974 or hmanke@vogelbldg.com.