Over 1,600 backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials will be distributed to Deming area children as part of a partnership with local government agencies and non-profits. Luna County Juvenile Justice Continuum Service (“JJCS”), Play Sharity Children’s Museum & Library, Colores United, CYFD, City of Deming, All Together New Mexico and Hispanics in Philanthropy Latino Essential Worker Fund partnered to provide one of the largest school supply distributions in the area.
Luna County JJCS and Play Sharity initiated the program through their shared mission of promoting family and parent engagement. “Luna County JJCS program wanted to seek a community collaboration with local agencies to provide youth in our communities with necessary school supplies to help alleviate some of the burden from parents during these unprecedented times we are facing,” said Desa Malina, Program Manager for JJCS. “The goal for Project Outreach is to promote family engagement by encouraging youth and families to participate in educational activities together.”
Play Sharity Children’s Museum & Lending Library was granted funding from All Together New Mexico and Hispanics in Philanthropy Latino Essential Workers Fund to distribute school supplies and grant free memberships to the Play Sharity Resource Library. Family engagement is a key indicator of academic achievement in children. “Difficulties surrounding COVID-19 have highlighted the fact that families need more support and resources to bring learning home,” said Kalyn Blazak, Co-Founder of Play Sharity.
In addition to the school supply distribution, Play Sharity has created a resource library for families to utilize during the pandemic and beyond. Families can borrow educational teaching resources, STEM related games and toys commonly found within classrooms. Resources available are geared toward children aged 0-9 years old. Families must have a Play Sharity membership to check-out materials, however funds are available for subsidized or free memberships for those who qualify.
“Through our government and private partnerships, we are able to provide a contactless resource library, as well as the school supply distribution in this time of great need for Deming families,” said Monica Topham, Museum Director at Play Sharity.
SIGN UP:
Families in Columbus and Deming must sign-up for a time slot to pick up their FREE backpack and school supply kit online at https://forms.gle/9jt2Uvo79tmnPtmr7 or complete a printed form at Play Sharity Open Wednesday – Saturday 12:30PM – 5:30PM. The sign-up deadline is Saturday, August 22, 2020.
PICK UP:
August 26th – Columbus, NM at the parking lot south Family Dollar
August 27th – 29th - Deming, NM at Play Sharity Children’s Museum & Library
GET INVOLVED:
School and art supply donations will be accepted by Play Sharity throughout the year. Donations will be included in the backpacks and donations received after the school supply distribution will be used to assemble learning kits to distribute to families. Items in need: pencil sharpeners, construction paper, colored pencils, markers, glue, and arts & crafts supplies (playdoh, clay, watercolors, popsicle sticks, stickers, colorful pipe cleaners, feathers, pom poms, tape, google eyes, etc.). Donations can be dropped off using the donation slot at the Play Sharity Children’s Museum & Library.
Other community partners include the Luna County Maintenance Department, 6th Judicial District Court, Juvenile Probation Office, Adult Drug Court Program, Project Play, Walmart, Healing House, and The Deming Chamber of Commerce. Thanking the volunteer and staff hours to transport and assemble the kits, Monica Topham, recognizes “Great achievements that help many in the community can be made when we all work together.”
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