SerpApi.Org
House of Mercy, a Catholic nonprofit based in Manassas, is ramping up its back- to-school efforts this year with the goal of equipping over 800 local students with essential school supplies.
Through back-to-school initiative, children from low-income families are given the opportunity to choose a new backpack and fill it with school supplies, free of charge.
Last year, House of Mercy distributed over 500 fully stocked backpacks to students in need.
For those looking to help, all donations, sign-ups and pledges must be completed by July 25. The list of supplies House of Mercy is looking for ranges from new backpacks and new shoes to glue sticks, highlighters and other typical school supplies.
The nonprofit is looking for volunteers to help with preparation and organizing items. Community members can sign up for a shift online.
Physical supplies can be dropped off at House of Mercy's collection points, or individuals and businesses can make a financial pledge on the nonprofit's website.
For those who prefer to shop online, items can be purchased directly from House of Mercy's Amazon Wishlist and shipped straight to the organization.
House of Mercy is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It has held its annual Back to School Campaign since 2018.
"We have been so touched by the community support rallying around our collection efforts, as we have received thousands of spiral notebooks, folders, composition notebooks, pencils, pens, etc.," said Rebecca Wire, community engagement manager for House of Mercy. "To provide school supplies and new shoes for over 800 children is a huge undertaking – our biggest goal yet – and we need as much help as possible."
As House of Mercy approaches its deadline for donations, Wire said the organization still has "big needs."
On deadline day, July 25, House of Mercy is hosting a Stuff the Truck event, where community members can drop off school supply donations to help the organization reach its goal.
Saturday's event will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at House of Mercy, at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.
