As we head into the holiday season, this seems a good time to review some of the supports that are available to families at Thurgood Marshall. We know that our students’ basic needs must be met before learning can happen, and there are some ways we can help.
· Tutu’s Pantry—This is a weekly backpack program for families who could benefit from having extra food sent home over the weekend. If your family is in need of weekly food assistance, please call our office for an application at 206-252-2800. We can always use donations of pantry staples and child-friendly items. If you are interested in volunteering to fill help fill backpacks, call our office to let us know!
· Thanksgiving Gift Cards—Many of our families can use help with gift cards to purchase groceries over the Thanksgiving Break, particularly since school breakfasts and lunches are not available during this time. If you need this assistance, please email me at kjmay1@seattleschools.org. We count on TM families to help us in providing these gift cards. So far, we have raised about half the amount we need. You can help by donating grocery gift cards in $25 increments.
· Right Now Needs Funds— Each school in our district gets a small account to help families with basic needs. We have used these funds for groceries for families over Winter Break and Spring Break, to purchase shoes or coats, and to help with utility bills. While these funds can’t cover every single need in our community, we do our best to help when we can. Let us know if you have a need.
· TM Cares Fund—Our FTME has worked together to raise money to be used for emergencies to support families. These funds are a one-time use to help with things like one month of rent to support a family at risk of eviction. Contributions to this fund may be made through FTME (or by dropping a check off at school with TM Cares in the subject line).
· Baby Items—Our school benefits from the Stroller Brigade in the form of diapers, baby car seats, and strollers. Our school is no longer a center for the Stroller Brigade, but we do have some items available for babies. Please let us know if you need help with these items.
· Mental Health—If your child qualifies for medical coupons and could benefit from mental health counseling, let us know! Atlantic Street Center has therapists working on-site at TM, and your child can receive services during the school day. Ms. Matsui can help with other mental health referrals for your child or family, too.
I want to thank you in advance for the generosity of our community. Whenever we have asked for help for our families in need, I never cease to be amazed at what you work together to provide. I appreciate you so much!
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