Harrisburg nonprofit collecting school supplies for free back-to-school giveaway

All You Can Inc. is accepting donations through Aug. 15

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A Harrisburg nonprofit is collecting back-to-school supplies to help hundreds of local students start the school year with the essentials they need.

All You Can Inc. is holding its annual back-to-school giveaway where Harrisburg families can get free supplies for students as the cost of classroom supplies soars. 

A typical haul of school supplies will cost nearly 8% more compared to last year, and lunch items will cost 11% more, according to an analysis from Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation. Those increases come as families also face higher costs for housing, transportation and electricity. 

The cost of preparing for a new school year can be daunting for families.

“It can mean the difference between a family paying the electric bill or really having to look for other means to make ends meet to assist their children getting to school ready and headstrong on day one,” said All You Can President Ralph Rodriguez.

The nonprofit has an online wishlist and is collecting donations at Renewal by Andersen of Central PA’s Mechanicsburg location until Aug. 15.

Requested items include classroom essentials like backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, glue sticks and lunch bags.

 “Things that you might take for granted, but if you go into your classroom on day one without, it can mean the difference between a student being embarrassed or a student being on top of their game, because what this also does provide is a sense of self-esteem,” Rodriguez said.

He said these basic school supplies set kids up for success and can prevent ostracization from classmates.

Studies have found that students with their own supplies are better able to stay focused in the classroom and develop organization skills. 

Economically disadvantaged families should pre-register for the distribution event on Aug. 22 from noon until 2 p.m. It will be held at 522 S 22nd St., Harrisburg, and students will go through the line and choose their supplies.