Submitted by Alaya Battalia

The shopping list for the beginning of school is extensive and expensive. Clothes, notebooks, shoes, lunch boxes, pencils, backpacks, markers, haircuts, glue sticks, calculators, scissors; the list can go on and on, not to mention the potential challenges of new classes, social dynamics and changes in routine. Starting the year off with confidence can make a big difference in how youth can manage these stresses. Each family has its own way of supporting each other through new transitions. Honest and open conversations, though not always easy, does not drain one’s bank account. On the other hand, the back to school supply list tends to add up.

The Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC) and our community partners, the Lopez Village Market and Islanders Bank, are committed to making sure that Lopez students do not start the school year off with the stress of not having the required school supplies. We would be so grateful to count you as another source of support in this effort! Please consider adding some crayons, sticks of glue or maybe a notebook to your shopping cart at LVM or your purchases at Paper Scissors on the Rock. Both are fully stocked with all the supplies a student needs in their toolbox for success. Collection bins are located at LVM, Islanders Bank and the LIFRC office. Cash donations designated to “Back to School Program” are also greatly appreciated and can be sent to the LIFRC at PO Box 532.

If you would like to sign your family up for the program, please stop by the LIFRC office at 160 Village Road to fill out an application! We use the same income eligibility guidelines as Basic Food or Apple Health (Medicaid), though we do take into account extenuating circumstances.