HEF Program Activities: SS Challenge
What is the School Supply Challenge?
The S.S. Challenge allows local businesses and community groups to make an instant impact on Henrico County’s most needy students by providing them with essential school supplies such as paper, pencils, notebooks, pocket folders and art supplies. You can help provide the tools for academic success!
What is a “challenged” school?
A school is considered challenged if it has a large percentage of lower socioeconomic students, a wide range of academic needs among its students, and if students score lower on standardized tests. Approximately 30% of Henrico County students are considered economically deprived; this figure is expected to increase in coming years due to the economic downturn. Without the S.S. Challenge, many needy students would start the year at an even greater disadvantage than their classmates.
How does the program work?
Organizations collect school supplies from July through mid-August. Supplies are either donated directly to HEF, who will distribute the items to schools, or delivered to the school by the partner, allowing for a personal connection between schools and their partner organization. We target initial delivery by the first day of school but also replenish supplies at the mid-year point and during SOL testing. Monetary donations are accepted as well.
Who participated in the 2010 Challenge? [Download Project Report]
A total of 32 corporations, small businesses, community organizations and faith-based groups provided school supplies for challenged students in 44 schools. High school students earned community service hours helping to sort and box supplies, assisted by 10 adult volunteers. Volunteers packed 131 boxes and 176 backpacks in addition to the deliveries partners made directly to assigned schools. Ten new partners joined the Challenge this year. Representatives of new partner groups were recognized at the October 28 School Board meeting.
How do I get involved?
Contact Paula Roop, HEF Program Manager, for additional information at pdroop@henrico.k12.va.us or (804) 652-3369. Download flyer.
