School supplies, the tools of learning: Donate and change a life

AUGUST arrived in a flash. For families anxious about the expenses that come with the start of a new school year, the summer is flying by.

In the midst of an economic downturn, thoughts of an extra hit to a tight budget can induce tears. The YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County knows it all too well.

Fortunately, generous contributors to the school-supply drive of The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy help return homeless and low-income students to class with confidence. The YWCA School Days program in 2009 used reader donations to provide school supplies and clothing to 1,294 children.

Requests for assistance climb as economic conditions take a wider toll on all income levels. The YWCA reaches students in grades K-12 via programs for single-parent families and those living in emergency shelters and supportive housing. Often they are rebuilding their lives after domestic violence. The School Days program reaches families on the Eastside, South King County, downtown Seattle and Snohomish County.

Readers help the YWCA maintain an inventory of well-stocked backpacks to assist new arrivals throughout the school year. Overwhelmed parents lack the resources for the most basic supplies, and their children dread turning up empty-handed for class in the fall — or winter or spring.

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

All have seen a steady increase in requests for help. These excellent agencies use bulk purchasing and legions of volunteers to maximize the availability of grade-appropriate supplies.

Yes, it is August, already. Please help launch needy students into a new school year with confidence.