Families across Victoria grabbed new backpacks, school supplies and clothing this week thanks to the Mustard SeedB次元官网网址檚 Fair Start Program.
The Mustard Seed, in partnership with Monk Office, was able to put together 750 school supply kits for kids ranging from kindergarten to Grade 12.
The supplies would usually cost parents approximately $80, but The Mustard Seed was able to purchase them at-cost for $40 each.
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B次元官网网址淔amilies are asked to spend up to $400 on supplies, clothes, gym strip and more,B次元官网网址� said Janiene Boice, director of development at The Mustard Seed Street Church. B次元官网网址淲e believe in creating a system that kids could get school supplies and not be singled out on the first day of school.B次元官网网址�
In addition, kids were also able to go B次元官网网址渟hoppingB次元官网网址� at the Mustard SeedB次元官网网址檚 Family Centre. The CentreB次元官网网址檚 counselling room was transformed into a store filled with new clothes, shoes and backpacks for kids to go through. A total of 580 kids were allowed to pick an outfit, backpack, running shoes and coat at no cost.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a way to not feel uncomfortable or have shame, because kids already feel a stigma if theyB次元官网网址檙e getting used supplies,B次元官网网址� Boice said. B次元官网网址淲e want to empower families to have a fair start to success.B次元官网网址�
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The need for school supplies has steadily increased since the Fair Start Program first began in 1998. In 2014, only 430 kits were picked up before it jumped to 680 in 2015, and to 700 in 2016.
Boice said the jump to 750 in 2017 and 2018 has to do both with public awareness of the program, but also increasing living expenses in Victoria.
As of Tuesday, 740 of the 750 kits had been picked up, but Boice said if the demand continues for the upcoming school year, The Mustard Seed would find more supplies.
B次元官网网址淲e would solve it,B次元官网网址� Boice said. B次元官网网址淔amilies come first at The Mustard Seed.B次元官网网址�
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