Community donations help prepare Cape Central students for school

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Hundreds of school supplies collected during FOX23’s Back 2 School Drive are one step closer to local students after being delivered to the Cape Public School Foundation on Thursday.

The donations, gathered during last week’s community drive at Walmart, included backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons and other classroom essentials that will be distributed to Cape Central students before the start of the new school year.

Cape Public School Foundation Executive Director Amy Macdonald said having school supplies ready on the first day helps students arrive prepared to learn while easing a financial burden for families.

“It really does make an impact for them to have them on the first day of school and be ready to learn and have the supplies they need that are costly for our family. So it is really a benefit to have those backpacks packed,” Macdonald said.

Macdonald said this year’s drive saw strong community participation, which helped provide even more supplies for local students.

“Actually having the day event at Walmart really helped us this year,” Macdonald said. “It really is very humbling to see the community come out and say hi and just help. Every little bit helps. So even a box of crayons makes a difference.”

As families continue preparing for the new school year, many are also looking for ways to make back-to-school shopping more affordable.

Citizen journalist Austin Huffman said community donation drives can make a difference when unexpected needs arise.

“You know, of course, dropping a few school supplies in is no big deal. And in a pinch, you know, when my son needed some last minute school supplies, it really came in handy,” Huffman said.

Citizen journalist Danielle Torbet said families can also save money by taking advantage of Illinois’ tax-free weekend and reusing supplies from previous school years whenever possible.

“This weekend, if you are on a tight budget, you can definitely participate in the tax free weekend that’s going on here in our local community,” Torbet said. “And then, you know, as always, be resourceful. You can always repurpose items that you had the previous school year as well.”

The Cape Public School Foundation said the donated supplies will be delivered to schools across the district on Monday, Aug. 10, before students return to class later this month.