A local church has raised $640 to cover the cost of school supplies for 19 children in transitional shelters.
Since 2017, the Peterborough United Methodist Church (PUMC) has been hosting a Backpacks for Shelters Drive for children living in transitional shelters across the Monadnock region, including Shelter from the Storm in Jaffrey and Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Keene. Over the last five years, the church has collected and distributed 77 backpacks to families in need.
For most of these local shelters, families are provided housing for only one year before new tenants arrive. According to PUMC Mission Committee member Laura Constantine, the rising cost of housing and unemployment are the main reasons why local families are seeking temporary housing in local transitional shelters.
Constantine stated the cost of school supplies is not feasible for many families dealing with financial hardships.
“These families without a home are in a time of turmoil and uncertainty. Many have very tight budgets. Prices keep going up and many people haven’t seen an increase in income,” stated Constantine.
The backpack drive is in its sixth year, and the church purchased 19 Lands’ End backpacks for children returning to school this fall, a $30 savings per family. In addition, each child will be given additional school supplies such as pens, notebooks and binders to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Constantine stated this year’s earnings will help alleviate some financial stress for families enduring hard times.
“Having their school supplies taken care of is a small way to offer them comfort. PUMC is happy to help set these kids up for success at school,” stated Constantine.
PUMC’s is also planning to provide high-quality metal insulated water bottles for children to bring to school in the next couple weeks.