Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Human Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All
Acceptance of a Donation of School Supplies with an Estimated Value of $10,000 from Walmart- At A Cost to the County of $340
Body
Information Contact: Damon Scott, Director Human Services Department
Phone Number: (404) 270-1178
PURPOSE:
To consider accepting a donation of school supplies in the amount of $10,000 from a Walmart located in Newnan, Georgia. If accepted, the supplies will be organized and distributed to DeKalb children and youth by the Human Services Department.
NEED/IMPACT:
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, ninety-three percent (93%) of public-school teachers spend their own money on school supplies without reimbursement. On average, these teachers spend $479 on items for their classrooms. Researchers estimate that in recent years parents have spent between $1,000-$1,700 for school supplies, technology and extracurricular fees for their students. For some parents, the cost of school supplies, along with the current economic challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, make it very difficult to purchase supplies that children need to participate in school.
The Human Services Department’s Office of Youth Services has identified an opportunity to obtain a large donation of school supplies from a Walmart in Newnan, Georgia. Walmart has a long history of community service and this is an exciting opportunity for DeKalb. This location has identified ten (10) palates of school supplies that can be donated to DeKalb Human Services Department. Supplies include pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, glue, crayons and folders. The vendor requires the County to pick up the supplies. The Department has identified a moving truck that can be rented and used to pick up the supplies at a cost of $340.
If approved, the Department will pick up the supplies, then organize and plan a drive thru event to distribute the materials to DeKalb parents and students. It is estimated that a minimum of 2,000 families will be served through this project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the Department will spend $340 from Cost Center #7520 (General Fund) to pick up the school supplies.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Accept the donation of school supplies in the amount of $10,000 from Walmart; and authorize the Human Services Department to organize and distribute the supplies.