Many children across Alabama start their school year without the necessary school supplies. According to 2MODA, “When kids have what they need for school, it makes the experience more positive. Instead of just being a chore or something they are forced into, school is now a goal or something to look forward to.”

Also, with the lack of school supplies, this places a burden on educators with out-of-pocket spending. “Well over 90 percent of teachers spend their own money on school supplies and other items their students need to succeed,” said the National Education Association.

The Diamonds in the Rough Foundation (DITR) which is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization has recognized the need of empowering Alabama students through school supplies.

Brittany Watson, DITR Executive Director said they “aim to eliminate the barriers created by lack of necessities in the educational setting by hosting a school supply drive for youth of all grades.”

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To combat these issues DITR is hosting a school supply drive until August 1. They are collecting school supplies, used and new backpacks, and taking monetary donations to purchase school supplies as well.

Their goal is to supply 500 children K-12 with exactly what is on their school supply list for the 2023-2024 school year.

Donation Drop Off Locations

The Tuscaloosa Public Library

The University of Alabama’s Little Hall

Talecris Plasma Center

Monetary donations can be made at DITRFoundation.org

DITR’s mission is to fill the gaps between our neighbors in need and the resources needed to lead enriched lives.

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Donations Needed - Supply List

#2 Pencils with Erasers (wood cased & mechanical)
1 Inch Heavy Duty 3-Ring Binder with Clear Pocket on
1.5in Heavy Duty 3-Ring Binder with Clear Pocket on Front and Back
2 - Pocket folders
3 ring binder- 2" binder
Assorted Highlighters
Baby Wipes
Black Dry Erase Markers
Blue Vinyl Pocket Folder w/ Brads
Box of Bandaids
Box of Kleenex (Standard Size)
Clear or Mesh Backpack
College ruled paper
Composition book college ruled
Composition Notebook with Primary Lines
Composition Notebooks - Wide Ruled (black, blue)
Cravola Colored Pencils
Crayola 24 Count Crayons (no larger boxes)
Crayola 8 Count Classic Markers
Elmer's Glue Sticks
Fiskars Pointed Scissors
Front and Back (White)
Gallon Ziploc Bags
Green Vinyl Pocket Folder w/Brads
Hand Sanitizer (Alcohol Based)
Headphones
Lysol or Clorox Wipes
Paper Mate Pens - Blue or Black
Paper Towels
Pencil Pouch
Plastic Dividers (Set of Five)
Post-It Notes
Quart Ziploc Bags
Ream of Colored Copy Paper
Reams of 8 1⁄2 × 11" Copy Paper
Red Vinyl Pocket Folder w/ Brads
Ruler
Scientific Calculator
Small Pencil Box
Vinyl Pocket Folder w/ Brads (red, purple)
Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper
Yellow Vinyl Pocket Folder w/Brads

(Source) Click here for more information about the Diamonds in the Rough Foundation. Click here for more details from 2MODA. Click here for more insight from National Education Association.

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