BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO 9/5/25 |
Hey Aarde,
School is about to start, and I have no idea how I am going to cover new school clothes and school supplies. How can I give my kids what they need when inflation is working against me?
Signed, Worried Provider
Hey Worried Provider,
As Whitney Houston sang best, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.”
Many will agree with me when I say that it is appalling that we live in a country where education (and health care) falls short for its citizens, especially our children. Let us all do a better job of analyzing the two-party system we are presented with and vote as if it matters, because it does. Start voting local and move outward with representatives who stand for what is not only important to you but also to your community.
Many parents are feeling the effects of inflation, where basic needs seem like luxuries. And where shame can quietly creep in during times like these, you must know that you are not alone. Coming up short is not a sign that you’re doing anything wrong as a parent; it is a reflection of the current economic pressures, unrelated to your worth as a parent. The best thing you can do is ask for help (well done), because there is power in that—it shows strength, courage, and resourcefulness, qualities you want your children to learn from you.
As a mother, I want to teach my son that asking for help is not a weakness, so that he will model my behavior (both by giving and receiving), which will ultimately serve the community better as a whole. Luckily, there are people in our community who make it their purpose to fatten a skimmed pot. Many schools, churches, and local nonprofits offer back-to-school supplies through community drives, clothing closets, or gift card assistance.
Here in Pierce County, we see several community-based organizations offering essential help that you may benefit from. And hey, asking for help is brave—but receiving it with grace can be just as challenging. It’s okay to wish things were different. Most people already understand that this isn’t where you want to be forever. But letting others help you now doesn’t take away your strength—it just shows your resilience. And when you’re in a better place, you’ll get the chance to be the one who gives, supports, and lifts someone else. That’s how community carries us forward—one act of care at a time.
Here is a list of people ready to help:
Back-to-School Events and School Supply Assistance
- Life Center Church — Back 2 School Bash: Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food, and more. Event (2025): August 16, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at Life Center Central Campus, Tacoma.
- Communities In Schools — Unstuff the Bus: Free school supply giveaway for Pierce County students. Event (2025): August 21, 3–6 p.m., at McKinley Building, Tacoma.
- Kids Health and Safety Fair: Hosted by Tacoma Police Department and the City of Tacoma; includes supplies, health screenings, and entertainment. Event (2025): August 23, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Eastside Community Center.
- Toy Rescue Mission: Limited school supplies, backpacks, and some coats/clothing for low-income Pierce County families (elementary to middle school). Requires supply list, child present, and proof of DSHS assistance. toyrescuemission.org
- Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center: Provides clothing, household items, hygiene supplies, and more through partnerships. Offers peer-led programs, support groups, and mentorship to maintain dignity and community.
Clothing and Basic Needs Organizations
- Life Center Clothing Bank (Bethel School District): Free gently used clothing for adults, children, and infants. Open Saturdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Donations accepted on first and third Thursdays.
- Saint Francis House (Puyallup): Pantry and clothing bank services. Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Call to verify service-area eligibility.
- New Jerusalem Food and Clothing Bank (Tacoma Hilltop): Clothing assistance in Spanish. Open 2nd–5th Saturdays each month.
- My Sister’s Pantry (Central Tacoma): Groceries, pastries, hot meals, and clothing bank. 1st and 3rd Mondays (5–7 p.m.) and 4th Saturday (10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.).
- Nourish Pierce County and Mobile Food Banks: 75+ pantry locations and mobile distribution through the South Sound.
Additional Resources in the Community
- Pierce College Advocacy and Resource Connections: Food and hygiene pantries, clothing support, and access to Nourish Mobile Food Bank.
- Salvation Army: Free school supplies, backpacks, clothing, financial assistance, and annual back-to-school events.
- St. Francis House: Back-to-school program providing essential supplies and clothing for low-income students. Accepts donations.
- Basic Family Support Services Program (YWCA): Assists families in meeting basic needs, including school supplies.
- A Beacon of Hope: Household necessities and school supplies for families in hardship.
Other helpful providers include Sound Outreach, St. Vincent de Paul, Tacoma Rescue Mission, Bread Basket (University Place), United Way of Pierce County, and Raising Girls (for period poverty with dignity).
