As students prepare to go back to school this fall, it’s an unfortunate fact that some Edmonds families can’t afford new school supplies, food or clothing for their children. Here are four local projects that could use your support:

– Clothes for Kids has an immediate, urgent need for community volunteers to assist in running its boutique shop located at 16725 52nd Ave. W. in Lynnwood. Clothes for Kids is a non-profit organization serving nearly 6,000 low-income children per year throughout Snohomish County by providing full wardrobes, at no cost to families.

Volunteer duties include receiving donations, sorting and cleaning clothing and shoes, restocking the boutique, and assisting clients in selecting clothing that will enhance their self esteem. Clothes for Kids is extremely flexible with work and school hours and can fulfill any needed community service requirements. If you can help, contact Nancy Laird-Burris at 425-741-6500 or nlaird@clothesforkids.org. 

– Bartell Drugs (the Edmonds store is located at 23028 100th Ave. W.) is sponsoring a “School Tools for Kids in Need’ drive, in conjunction with World Vision.  This program, in its seventh year, gives Puget Sound area teachers an opportunity to shop for free school supplies on behalf of their students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs. Shopping takes place at World Vision’s Teacher Resource Center.

The Seattle Storm will be helping to raise awareness of the program at a “Back-to-School Night” game Aug. 21, during which Bartell Drugs and World Vision will be on hand collecting school supplies. For more information, visit www.bartelldrugs.com

 – The Edmonds Community Foundation is gearing up for the first round of food shopping for its Bottomless Backpacks Food For Youth Program. Your donation will help the Foundation purchase enough food for the families in crisis at the start of the school year. Any amount will help:
-$26 provides food to two familes for one week
-$65 provides food to one school for one week
-$300 provides food to all BBFFY schools for one week
-$2160 provides food to one school for the entire school year.
Mail your donations to:
Edmonds Community Foundation
209 4th Ave. S., Suite 101A
Edmonds, WA 98020

You can also volunteer by visiting the foundation website.

–  The Fabric of Life Foundation is collecting school supplies and backpacks now through Saturday, Sept. 4, for over 600 needy students in Edmonds and Lynnwood whose parents can’t afford what is needed for school.  Bring supplies to the Fabric of Life store at 523 Main Street in downtown Edmonds (just east of the fountain). The store is open during this week’s Third Thursday Art Walk  from 5-8 p.m. A complete list of what the Foundation needs can be found here.