PORTLAND, Ore. — KGW, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, Safeway Albertsons, Pacific Power, and Dick’s Auto Group, is proud to announce the 16th annual KGW School Supply Drive. The KGW School Supply Drive collection period begins July 31 and continues through August 31. The goal is to collect enough monetary donations and school supplies to prepare at least 15,000 students for fall with the materials needed to succeed. In Oregon, nearly half of all children live in low-income families and cannot afford even the most basic school supplies.
Throughout the drive, you are encouraged to make cash and online school supply donations of any amount. A $25 donation provides one student with basic supplies to start the year. All donations, benefiting local area schools, are distributed with the help of Schoolhouse Supplies, the nonprofit Free Store for Teachers.
“We understand that the success of our community is dependent upon educating the next generation of leaders. If students don’t have the tools they need now, we are impacting our future. This is a problem we can help solve right now. Just a few dollars get paper and pencils into the hands of these kids,” said Steve Carter, president and general manager of KGW. “We appreciate the support of our business partners who join with us and the whole community to help local children succeed.”
Donations can be made in several ways:
- Donate funds and purchase school supplies online at KGW.com/school
- Give a monetary donation and school supplies at any OnPoint Community Credit Union
- Donate school supplies at any Dick’s Auto Group location
- Drop of school supplies and tech gear at Intel collection events on August 19
- Make a cash donation at the register at local Safeway stores between August 18 and August 28
“Helping children succeed today builds a better future for us all, and that success starts with education. For 16 years, OnPoint has been a proud supporter of the KGW School Supply Drive, and in 2023 students need support more than ever. As a credit union founded by schoolteachers, education is at the heart of who we are, and we know how important it is to our community. Every year we are inspired by the participation from our neighbors to benefit deserving educators and students,” said Rob Stuart, OnPoint Community Credit Union President, CEO.
"We know having adequate supplies when heading back to school is a huge challenge for many in Oregon and Southern Washington. That’s why we feel so passionate about the KGW School Supply Drive. We’re thankful that this resource exists for local kids, families, and teachers,” said Jill McGinnis, Safeway Albertsons, Portland Division, Director of Communications & Public Affairs.
“Pacific Power is pleased to be involved in the KGW School Supply Drive to help ensure all students have access to supplies that set them up for success as they go back to school. We value these opportunities to help play a part in strengthening our communities,” said Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power Regional Business Manager.
“Inflation and higher prices make an impact on a family’s bottom line, which can make it tough to buy essentials like school supplies. It’s so important that kids are set up for success and are equipped with the supplies they need on the very first day of class. Dick’s Auto Group is very happy to support the KGW school supply drive so that the kids in our communities can start the year off right,” said Scott Inukai, President of Dick’s Auto Group.
About Schoolhouse Supplies
Schoolhouse Supplies is an award-winning nonprofit that supports public education in the Portland area by providing free school supplies to students in need. Schoolhouse Supplies believes that every child deserves school supplies and has the right to a quality education regardless of their family’s income or racial/ethnic identity. With the community’s support, Schoolhouse Supplies has distributed $30 million in free school supplies since opening their doors in 1999. Find out more at www.SchoolhouseSupplies.org.
About KGW
KGW is the NBC affiliate in Portland, Oregon serving Oregon and Southwest Washington. KGW’s award-winning website, KGW.com, and its mobile app KGW News, provide breaking news, traffic and weather information to consumers on demand. KGW also operates a low- power station, KGWZ. KGW is owned and operated by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) a broadcasting, digital media and marketing services company. TEGNA and KGW serve the greater good of Oregon and Southwest Washington, across platforms, by telling empowering stories, conducting impactful investigations and delivering innovative marketing solutions. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.
