As the beginning of the new school year approaches, Caz Cares Back to School Program, offering basic school supplies and backpacks for families that use the food pantry, is starting. As any parent of a student knows, the list of supplies can be lengthy, and this helps to make a dent in the list. Donations of any type of school supplies are welcomed.
Caz Cares addresses many needs of the approximately 200 clients who visit each month by helping families by providing food, children’s programming, and clothing.
Fresh produce, purchased or donated from local farms, is the first stop in the Food Pantry. During the summer and early fall months, Caz Cares also has fresh vegetables grown in its on-site garden and accepts donations from home gardens.
If your garden is overflowing with fall fruits and produce, consider donating some of your surplus to local families in need. As you head out to enjoy the many fall activities Central New York has to offer, consider grabbing a few extra bags of apples for us.
In addition to a well-stocked clothing closet, the donations from our local community make it possible for Caz Cares to provide winter coats ahead of the cold winter season. On Oct. 15, clients may come in, try on and take home coats for their families.
As you are digging out your fall and winter clothing, please consider donating any unused coats.
This year, with funding provided from the Common Grounds Challenge Grant, the Caz Cares website has been updated to better communicate with both clients and supporters. Jackie Maier was hired as the website coordinator. This comprehensive new site offers answers to questions ranging from how to become a client to what are appropriate donations for the food pantry and clothing closet. Be sure to visit CazCares.org and check it out.
Want to donate? Here’s a list of supplies currently needed at Caz Cares:
School Supplies: backpacks (new or gently used), pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, notebook paper, colored folders, large spiral notebooks, composition notebooks and three-ring binders.
Coats: Gently used or new (particularly children’s coats) and short, easy-to-clean coats.
