Project Spirit Supplies

As summer winds down, back-to-school shoppers are loading up on school supplies. <br><br>But some Tulsa families can't afford that expense. So the News on Six and some local charities are working

Thursday, July 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

As summer winds down, back-to-school shoppers are loading up on school supplies.

But some Tulsa families can't afford that expense. So the News on Six and some local charities are working on a project to give kids the supplies they need to learn.

Yvonne Buchanan volunteers at Restore Hope every week. And she knows the benefits of Project Spirit Supplies first hand. "Through my years in teaching I've had a lot of families in crisis situations and this just really meets their needs." Through Project Spirit Supplies, the News on Six and Restore Hope Ministries are working to give kids, the tools they need to learn. From stacks of papers to freshly sharpened pencils to colorful crayons, volunteers are putting together the supplies to get kids back to school.

Buchanan says what seems like a small donation makes a big difference in the classroom. "It really does it makes them feel proud that first day like everyone else and thatâ€™s important for a family thatâ€™s been in crisis." The program also takes the burden off of teachers like Buchanan who dip into their own pockets to get kids what they need. "So often kids have to come to school the first day without the supplies they need often times its the teachers that are going out that night and buying what is needed."

During tough economic times, donations tend to drop off. But the economic slump also means more families are in need. "A lot of families are uncertain right now. So we certainly hope that those that can give will give generously this year. Because Tulsa needs you this year."

Last year almost 2,000 kids started the school year with new pencils and pens thanks to Project Spirit Supplies.