Summer School Supply Programs Bring Christmas Cheer

Several local organizations and donors are stepping up to provide financial support for Sedona students before the new school year begins on August 1.

StreetHeat Ministries, a nonprofit based in Las Vegas, organized a sophomore backpack drive for underserved students on Saturday, July 13. This year, the event saw a significant increase, distributing 171 backpacks, compared to 53 in 2023. The backpacks were also provided to West Sedona School, Sedona Red Rock Junior High, and Sedona Charter School.

“This partnership between organizations ensures Sedona families are not burdened with additional expenses for school supplies,” said new WSS Principal Alisa Stieg. “If a backpack is lost or stolen, families won’t have to replace them—we have extras available, greatly benefiting our families.”

StreetHeat also distributed 108 backpacks at Club Wyndham Sedona for residents to collect for kindergarten through fifth-grade students in need of supplies.

“Participation this year has increased, strengthening our relationships with various coalitions,” noted StreeHeat president George Vaughn. “We have established a partnership with Wyndham Resort, now serving as the liaison for StreetHeat Ministries, providing additional backpacks for Sedona residents and schools.”

StreetHeat collaborated with several local organizations, including Manzanita Outreach, which supplied activity booklets. Manzanita previously operated a school supply program until it refocused on food assistance in 2023.

On May 8, SedonaKind received a $14,750 donation from the 100+ Women Who Care Sedona-Verde Valley Chapter, aimed at providing school supplies for students at West Sedona School.

“The grant ensures no child at West Sedona School has to buy school supplies,” SedonaKind board member Karen Bare said. “This eliminates the need for teachers to spend out of pocket and covers all essential materials, except personal items like backpacks and water bottles.”

SedonaKind will not be eligible for the same grant next year, but some funds will carry over into the 2025-26 school year, although the exact amount is yet to be determined.

Stieg mentioned that materials would be delivered directly to classrooms as a substantial relief for families, except for personal items and items covered by Chromebook fees, such as planners and Friday folders.

The Sedona-Oak Creek School District announced that parents would no longer have to pay for student meals starting July 9.

“Our goal is to reintegrate into schools and resume our reading program,” Bare said. “We provide grade-appropriate books on kindness and lessons to supplement students’ character education.”

The Sedona Community Food Bank is also running its annual school supply drive, emphasizing that adequate tools and supplies are crucial for student success. Items like crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, highlighters, No. 2 pencils, and notebooks are needed.

Donations are accepted at 30 Inspirational Drive from Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. For questions, contact Cathleen Healy-Baiza at (928) 204-2808.

Sedona Toys for Tots received a $1,000 grant upon winning the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona’s Spirit of Philanthropy Award on April 14. Former coordinators Leonard and Karen Barrow chose to use the grant for the organization’s Literacy Program, providing every student at West Sedona School with a free book before the end of the school year.

“The Book Program is something Leonard and Karen Barrow have always wanted to support,” said Sedona TFT Coordinator Angela Thomas. “We hope this will be the start of ongoing efforts to promote literacy in Sedona. Many thanks and congratulations to the Barrows for their endless dedication to the positive growth of our children.”

The books, ranging from Scholastic Books, were distributed by teachers to students, either by letting them choose or personally handing them out.