By Recker McDowell —
The upcoming school year is still a big question mark with COVID-19 and all its impacts.
But there is no question of the needs the pandemic has created with families. Health impacts and lost jobs are stressing plenty of households in Arizona and other states.
Plenty of families need help with school supplies, whether kids go back to school in August or September or if they have online classes.
There should not be any politics, any social media fights over the impacts COVID-19 have had on many households. The job losses from the Coronavirus have disproportionately hit lower-paying, service workers hard especially in sectors such as tourism. The health impacts of COVID-19 can also create great financial strain for those without or with limited health insurance.
Scottsdale Community Partners, Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association, and city of Scottsdale are working with other groups on a school supplies drive to help kids and families in the need.
In Scottsdale, 27 percent of students (or about 5,000 kids) already qualify for free or reduced lunches. Those needs are growing with more parents out of work or taking pay cuts because of COVID.
The needs include backpacks, back-to-school clothes, socks, and shoes as well as binder and notebooks.
Many of us are looking for a chance to step and help our neighbors impacted by COVID. This a prime opportunity to help and show the best in our community.
Donations can be dropped off Fridays at the Vista del Camino Community Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is located at 7700 Roosevelt Street in Scottsdale.