Teachers understand the need for school supplies

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WMAR) - Remember the fun you had when you picked out a new lunch box and backpack and pencils to start school? Some can't join in the fun because they simply don't have the money.

Every student has to have the tools they need on the first day of school in order to have great success.

Teacher Michele Polk says that "some of our families are trying to make rent, put food on the table and that is a huge expense that they have trouble with."

Michele and Carmela see the need first hand, as teachers at Woodside Elementary in Glen Burnie. They say the basic needs of their families have increased over the last 5 years.

"It's becoming a huge issue in the county, I was surprised to see 7 to 10 of our families being homeless," said Carmela Windsor.

Back in June ABC 2 News brought you the story of Darlene Landrum and her 4 grandchildren who were homeless with no where to go. With help from Michele and community support, the family is now back on their feet.

Carmela, like all teachers, wants to make sure no one child is left behind.

"I find that the kids who don't come in with school supplies are embarrassed when they see their friends pulling out their new supplies," said Carmela.

The Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation has worked closely with many title one schools where over 60% of the students receive free and reduced lunch, which means many of these families we support will not have the extra funds for school supples this year. These teachers do what they have to do to make their kids can continue to dream.

In the classroom you see 10 students will sit at their desk without the tools they need to learn. This is only one school, painting a picture of the growing needs county and citywide.

The annual Back to School Drive is a collaboration between ABC 2 News, Celebree Learning Centers and the Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation.

We're collecting supplies through August 24.

To see what our children need and how to help, click here .