Charity Helps Native Students Succeed with Much Needed School Supplies

Charity Helps Native Students Succeed with Much Needed School Supplies

Even though there's plenty of sunshine and warm days in our future, the department store displays are all reminding me of what's on the horizon: Back to School! Eeek! My kiddo is still in summer camp and we have many more trips to local swimming holes in our future, but it's time to start thinking about checking off all the items on his school supply list.

I take it for granted that I can usually find what I need in the store, and if not, online. The reality for many parents living on reservations or in small communities far from big towns is it's a bit harder to get everything you need. However there is one charity out there that's reaching out to Native students in need of school essentials. Read more from their official press release and find out how you can donate!

Charity Helps Native Students Succeed with Much Needed School Supplies

Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) announced today their 2016 Backpack Drive that will provide school supplies such as backpacks, pencils and binders to thousands of Native American children living in remote and often isolated tribal communities, ensuring they have the materials they need for the school year. Annually, PWNA provides school supplies to aid Native American students in grades K-12, and they are encouraging everyone to join in their efforts to raise funds and secure gift-in-kind donations for Native students in need.

“The first day of school is a milestone event for students, and the excitement of a new school year shouldn't be tarnished by a lack of supplies,” said PWNA President/CEO Robbi Rice Dietrich. “Depending on the region, up to seventy percent of Native children drop out of high school, and only thirteen percent obtain a college degree. This is directly related to the lack of funds and the school supplies that help Native students learn and succeed in school.”

Whether you provide a monetary donation to go toward purchasing supplies, or you're able to provide a bulk donation, such as a pallet or more of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, binders and other school supplies, you will make a difference by setting Native American students up for a successful school year. With up to thirty-five percent of Native American children living below poverty level, this support is vital to the students and their schools. PWNA is accepting donations through August 12 to provide these students with the materials they need to succeed.

There is an immediate need to support 26,000 Native American youth attending reservation schools. In order to get the word out, PWNA is encouraging businesses to get their employees involved in the 2016 Backpack Drive, by donating on our landing page – www.PWNA4hope.org – or sharing content on social channels. The more people who learn about the drive, the more children who receive help.

PWNA has the critical assets, distribution system and capacity to address school supply distributions within tribal communities, including an established network of partners at reservation schools and other tribal programs. Although the current drive ends August 12, the need to replenish school supplies continues year-round. For more information, follow up on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit our website www.nativepartnership.org.

Partnership With Native Americans Announces 2016 Student Backpack Drive (PRNewsFoto/Partnership With Native Ameri...)
Partnership With Native Americans Announces 2016 Student Backpack Drive (PRNewsFoto/Partnership With Native Ameri…)

About Partnership With Native Americans
Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) is a nonprofit organization committed to championing hope for a brighter future for Native Americans living on remote, geographically isolated and often impoverished reservations. The organization collaborates with its reservation partners to serve immediate needs and support long-term solutions for strong, self-sufficient Native American communities. Established in 1990, PWNA works through its grassroots partnerships and distribution network to improve the lives of 250,000 Native Americans each year. For more information follow up on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit our website www.nativepartnership.org.

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Paul G

About Toyacoyah Brown

Toyacoyah Brown is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation, currently living in Chicago. She received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. When she's not scouring the Internet for fun things to share with PowWows.com readers you can find her digging for vinyl in her local record store or curling up with a good book.


One Comment “Charity Helps Native Students Succeed with Much Needed School Supplies”

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    William Hash

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    Good to read

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