Local agency again aims to fill school bags and deliver ‘peace of mind’
to parents in need.
With its Dubuque summer program underway, St. Mark Youth Enrichment already has the first day of school on the mind.
The organization is preparing for its annual school supply effort to fill school bags with new supplies for students at schools from East Dubuque to Western Dubuque.
Last year, local community members, volunteers, and businesses helped support approximately 3,500 students. This year, St. Mark is again planning for higher numbers of need as local families continue to recover from lost hours, struggling businesses, and layoffs during the past year.
“While the world is starting to return to normal, many of our parents are still struggling,” says Beth McGorry, director of donor relations. “This effort is one of my favorite times of year because it means that our community can help lift a huge weight off of these parents and kids longing for their own sense of normal, that ability to walk in on the first day of school with new school supplies like their peers.”
These efforts will impact more than 30 area elementary, middle, and high schools.
The organization is partnering with local businesses like Hartig Drug Stores, Steve’s Ace Hardware, Theisen’s Home • Farm • Auto , and others to get supplies at the best value and to make donations go further.
“Because of this support, we’re able to fill the bag of one of these students for as little as $40,” adds McGorry. “Just $40 gets a child all the crayons, pencils, notebooks, and more they need for the day. Parents have enough to worry about today, school supplies shouldn’t be one of them. That’s the peace of mind we’re hoping to deliver.”
To donate, volunteer, learn more, or start a drive at your business visit www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org, email bmcgorry@stmarkyouthenrichment.org or call 563-582-6211 ext. 102.
If you’re in need of school supplies, please reach out to your school’s counselor to be added to the supply list.
St. Mark Youth Enrichment (formerly St. Mark Community Center) is a non-profit organization that has served the Dubuque Community for 30 years. St. Mark provides before and after school programming in four of the Title 1 elementary schools in the Dubuque Community School District as well as programs in Dyersville and Peosta. To learn more, visit www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org.