School supplies: Eastside kids need the tools of learning

EVEN in the leanest of economic times, people are still surprised there is so much need in Bellevue. Nancy Jacobs and Congregations for Kids know better.

The organization she chairs just wrapped up its 14th "Good Start Back to School" drive to benefit needy students in the Bellevue School District.

Low-income families in 24 Bellevue schools received backpacks and school supplies to start another school year. Twenty-five of the 26 congregations making donations are in Bellevue, along with additional help from half a dozen other Eastside organizations.

The annual campaign, overseen by a 15-member steering committee, has grown over the years to meet demand. In 1996, 10 congregations raised money to help 143 students in 13 schools. This year, the project stuffed 1,387 backpacks, and filled an extra 110 for students who will start school later in the year.

Other groups distribute school supplies on the Eastside, but Congregation for Kids partners directly with Bellevue Public Schools to know how many students in what grades need help. This coordination eliminates duplication of effort on the Eastside.

Jacobs reports that donations were up significantly, "which was wonderful since the need had increased by 22 percent over last year."

The same generosity powers the school-supply drive of The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy.

Reader donations are divided among three excellent agencies: Hopelink, the YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County and the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness.

The goal is the same for all the community campaigns: Provide needy students with the tools of learning so they are ready and confident to make the most of a new school year.