Beyond Back-to-School
July 20, 2023By: Jenna Isaacson Pfueller
There are things you typically think about getting in preparation for your kids going back-to-school– clothes, shoes, and school supplies, for sure. But there are often things that they’ll need above and beyond those everyday basics that Goodwill can help with too. All those things that are parallel to school, like dances, extracurriculars, and sports are all good things to keep in mind.
With such a wide variety of things to learn in class these days, it can be tough to cover all the bases ahead of time. All those things that run parallel to school life, like formal dances, artsy extracurriculars, and sports are all good things to remember they’ll need stuff for, too. And the sooner you see what they need at Goodwill– the more prepared you’ll be and the more you’ll save.
Have a budding young musician? Instruments can be a big investment that those kiddos may or may not decide is right for them in the long run, and nothing’s worse than continuing to pay off an instrument that’s been long forgotten as it’s collecting dust in a closet. If you’re lucky, it might even be iconic!
Nothing says high school like a school dance. Though it may not be front of mind right now, come Homecoming or Prom time, it will be. Take advantage of all the summer bridesmaids donating their dresses and check out the formals at your Goodwill. You might be surprised what you find.
Artist in the house? Lots of Goodwill stores have art supplies! No need to go to the big-box chain art stores when you can find the stuff someone else bought there and never used. I mean, if you’re an artist, wouldn’t vintage art supplies be a major bonus? I thought so. Including this little gem to help you learn how to process film (GASP!) in your high school darkroom.
And last but definitely not least– there are sports. Not all sports are created equal. Some only require you to run and not get winded while others require actual equipment! That equipment isn’t always cheap or easy to find. Just like your musicians, they may not stick with it, so why buy new? There are lots of sporty options abound at your local Goodwill if you know where to look.
No matter what your kid gets themselves into this school year, Goodwill has your back– and your community’s. By purchasing your back-to-school goods at Goodwill, you’re creating a uniquely you, you. You’re helping the planet by diverting waste that would otherwise go to a landfill, and giving your neighbors the building blocks to self-sufficiency through job training programs.
Lesson learned.
