SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As students prepare to head back to the classroom after more than a year of challenges, PEMCO Mutual Insurance is once again hosting its annual “Supply Surge” school supply drive, from July 19 to August 6, to support some of those with the greatest need – homeless and underserved students in the Pacific Northwest. The goal of the drive is to help close the opportunity gap for these students by making sure they start the school year with the necessary supplies.
Since 2018, Supply Surge has rallied donors and organizations to collect more than 455,000 individual classroom supplies for students. This year, Supply Surge will bring together 37 South Lake Union businesses, as well as donors from across the state, to provide students with essential school supplies – from paper and pencils to backpacks and calculators– as schools return to in-person learning this fall.
“As the world adjusts to its new normal, many families continue to face hardships. With this year’s Supply Surge, PEMCO and our generous community partners will work to help students across Washington and Oregon feel confident and prepared for the upcoming school year,” said Stan McNaughton, CEO of PEMCO. “Supporting teachers, students and families has been important to PEMCO since our founding, and the past year and a half has solidified the importance of supporting our neighbors.”
The Supply Surge team currently includes 37 community-focused organizations such as Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Vulcan, Inc., Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Sellen Construction, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, Bristol Myers Squibb and Starbucks, as well as many other South Lake Union businesses.
As part of PEMCO’s commitment to supporting the education and development of young learners through its Mutual Good program, the PEMCO Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar for every donation made between August 4 and August 6, up to $5,000 in total.
Donations from the Supply Surge will benefit 13 middle and high schools in Seattle, Lynnwood, Spokane and Portland that have high homeless student populations. Schools were identified in partnership with district student support programs and data from the Diversity Report from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which provides information on the number of students per school who are experiencing homelessness, whose families struggle financially and how many students are a part of the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community.
“Our community needs and often doesn’t have the necessary school supplies for our children,” shared Melanee McClary, intervention specialist at Shaw Middle School in Spokane. “At times our families, have to choose between school supplies and food or paying an electrical bill. So, PEMCO’s support comes as a sense of tremendous relief for our families.”
To see all participating businesses, learn more or to make a school supply donation, visit www.pemco.com/supply-surge.
About PEMCO Mutual Insurance
PEMCO Mutual Insurance is the Defender of Your Northwest, providing auto, home, renters and boat coverage. We are consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee expertise and social impact. Our Mutual Good programs raise the achievement levels for youth in education; build stronger, greener environments; and increase safety at home, on the road and at play. Our mission: Free our communities to worry less and live more. To learn more, visit www.pemco.com.