For many families, the start of a new school year is full of excitement. It’s a time for students to make new friends and parents to watch their children advance in their education.

But for 16 million children each year — about one in four U.S. students — a new school year brings stress and uncertainty. Many can’t afford school supplies, a challenge that can hinder academic performance and self-esteem and sometimes contributes to lower attendance, according to United Way.

Georgia Tech is fighting this trend in the Atlanta community and beyond with the Buzzin’ Back to School supply drive. The annual school supply drive, which is active now, benefits Georgia Tech employees who may need assistance buying school supplies for K-12 students in their families.

“This program supports Georgia Tech’s endeavors to nurture the well-being of our community by alleviating the financial stress some of our families face at the start of a new school year. By providing this assistance, we ensure that children in our Georgia Tech families have the resources they need to begin the school year on a positive note,” said Kimberly Goler-Stubbs, Employee Health and Well-Being program manager. “Year after year, we see firsthand the impact this program makes on families at Tech. The Institute’s culture is built on supporting its employees, and our team is dedicated to enhancing that support in meaningful ways.”

Donations can be made by purchasing supplies from the Amazon Wishlist or by shipping supplies to Georgia Tech Human Resources. Requests for supplies can be submitted through this form. Donation recipients get up to three bags of supplies (limit one per child) stocked with grade-appropriate school supplies.

Members of the Georgia Tech community who want to donate or request school supplies must do so by May 30. Recipients will be notified by June 27, and supply distribution is tentatively scheduled for July 23 and 24. A detailed message with instructions for pickup will be sent to supply recipients.

The initiative is intended to support Georgia Tech families who may not be able to provide these supplies on their own. While there are no formal eligibility requirements, we ask that only those employees in need request school supplies.

Thanks to generous donations from the Georgia Tech community, Buzzin’ Back to School has distributed more than 4,000 backpacks since it began in 2012.

Deborah Miller, a longtime facilities employee, called Buzzin’ Back to School a “godsend.” For five years, Miller said the supply drive has provided three of the children in her family with the school supplies they need.

“Thanks to Buzzin’ Back to School, these kids can focus on school,” she said, adding that the drive is even more important since she’s become the full-time caregiver for five grandchildren and two cousins over the last 18 months. “I just have to thank everyone from the depths of my heart who puts this program together. And it’s not just me. I see the difference it makes for the people around me.”

Jamaal Taylor, a general safety manager for Environmental Health and Safety, said Buzzin’ Back to School allowed him to provide a backpack and school supplies to his niece last year, as she began her senior year in high school.

“The drive not only alleviated some financial burden but also boosted her confidence, allowing her to focus on her studies and enjoy her senior year,” Taylor said. “With backpacks filled with notebooks, pens, and other materials, she felt supported and ready to tackle her challenges.”

Future Buzzin’ Back to School drives will equip another niece entering kindergarten with the tools she needs for a strong start to her education, he said.

“This is a great program for employees, whether you’re donating or receiving supplies. Additional help in times of need is always good, no matter where it comes from, but I think it’s great that it’s coming from my place of work.”

To learn more about the Buzzin’ Back to School program, deadlines, and dates, click here.