HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Whether your kid is heading back to school virtually or in-person, having the necessary supplies for success is important. However, it comes at a cost that some families may not be able to afford during this pandemic.
"This is so new for everyone. That can just cause them to not even want to try. So that starts them off with feelings of despair, low motivation. No wanting to do this at all," says Huntsville Psychotherapy & Counseling Services Psychotherapist, Monretta Vega.
Vega says a student not having what he or she needs to be successful can take a toll on one's mental health. It affects parents, and teachers too.
"If a student doesn't have what they need, it's going to put a damper on a teacher simply because how can a teacher teach effectively," says Vega.
Here's where 'Free to Teach' comes in. It's a non-profit organization that provides free resources - including supplies for teachers at Madison County and Madison City & Huntsville City Schools.
"We are here and because of the community resources and support, we're poised to support up to 3800 teachers and 53,000 students throughout this year, and so we're ready," says 'Free to Teach' Development Director, Alison Kling.
Kling says a kid's health is number one. "Our healthy kids section is high in demand as teachers prepare soap, and paper towels, and all of those things. They want to have those things on hand."
Even if students don't have what they need, Vega offers this advice to take one day at a time. "Let me focus on my assignment and let me do what I need for this particular course, or this particular class, or this particular day," she says.
'Free To Teach' is always accepting donations from 9 a.m - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on supply drives and more, click here.
