Reach One Teach One Uca will host a school supply  drive for children in underserved communities on August 12, from 12-2 p.m.  Considering the cost of school supplies has increased by 23.7 percent in the last two years, according  to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, Reach One Teach One is asking for  donations of school uniforms, backpacks, paper, binders, folders, pens, pencils, and crayons.  

Reach One Teach One Uca is an early intervention program for children ages 5 to 14. Executive  Director, Reginald Yearby, says the mission is to provide Chattanooga’s underserved youth with  opportunities to explore the community and careers to develop a positive outlook on the rest of  their lives.  

“We can’t give students opportunities without giving them basic tools for learning. Depending on  the grade level, parents can spend anywhere from $100 to $200 per child on school supplies.  That means some parents are choosing between buying groceries or school supplies and we just  want to take that burden away,” said Yearby.  

According to the 2023 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey, 3 in 10 (31%) surveyed parents say their  households are in a worse financial situation than last year. The firm is predicting that spending  will decrease 10% from last year on school supplies.  

Reach One Teach One says school supply donations can be dropped off at Calvary Church of  the Nazarene, located at 4400 Bonny Oaks Dr., starting from now until the event. 

About Reach One Teach One Uca

Reach One Teach One Uca is a 501c3 nonprofit that relies on the generous support of donors  who align with the mission of after-school education and sports involvement for at-risk youth in  the Chattanooga region. To donate, email [email protected] or call 423-260-2309.