The start of a new school year can be an exciting next step in a family’s life, whether that’s a little one starting school for the first time or the eldest about to start their last school year. But that doesn’t mean it comes without its challenges. For some families, the start of the school year brings financial pressures, such as the cost of school uniforms, new stationery and other essentials, especially with prices continuing to rise.
Businesses of all sizes have an opportunity to make a difference in their local communities by supporting back-to-school initiatives. By partnering with charities, food banks and local authorities, you can help families by providing school essentials, so children have everything they need to start the new school year.
Why support is needed for back-to-school costs
School uniforms remain one of the highest back-to-school costs for families. Recent research from The Children’s Society found that 38% of parents still struggle to afford school uniforms and PE kits. Plus, 44% of children have experienced negative consequences because their families couldn’t afford the required uniform, including detentions, isolation and exclusions. The research also found that many parents feel uniform costs have become less affordable despite recent efforts to reduce branded items.
Combined with the rising cost of stationery, school bags, lunch boxes and other classroom essentials, these expenses can place significant strain on household budgets.
For businesses that are looking to support their local community, helping families with these costs is a practical way to make a real difference when it’s needed most.
How to organise a Back-to-School Drive
Starting a Back-to-School Drive doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right local partnerships, you can create a campaign that delivers help to those who need it.
1. Find local community partners
Start by contacting organisations already supporting families in your area, such as:
- Local food banks
- Children’s charities
- Community organisations
- Local councils
- Schools and family support services.
These organisations understand where demand is highest and can make sure support reaches the families who need it most.
2. Decide how you’ll help
Another option is for your company to make physical donations, including:
- School stationery
- Pencil cases
- Backpacks
- Lunch boxes
- Water bottles.
While these donations are always appreciated, charities might not receive what they need, or there might be restrictions from schools on the use of characters on bags and lunch boxes. Donations can be purchased from your company’s community fund or donated by staff.
3. Make giving simple for employees
As well as the business donating, you can also encourage colleagues to get involved by:
- Running an internal donation campaign
- Matching colleague donations
- Hosting a fundraising event
- Allowing teams to nominate local charities to support.
Simple initiatives that don’t require your teams to spend money (as they may also be struggling) can generate significant community impact while bringing your company together around a shared purpose.
Supporting communities together
No matter how you choose to support your local community, this support shouldn’t be limited to back-to-school. Instead, consider building long-term partnerships with charities and supporting them throughout the year, especially with seasonal campaigns, from Christmas appeals to food bank collections and wellbeing initiatives. This doesn’t need to be all financial either; consider running a volunteering day where you work with a food bank to sort donations, or litter picking a local park for everyone to enjoy.
By working together with local organisations, businesses can help remove some of the financial difficulties families face and give children the positive start to the school year they deserve. Sometimes, a small act of support can make a lasting difference, not just for the new school term, but for the wider community too.