Dubuque-Area Students Need Your Help: Local School Supply Campaign Underway

As summer approaches, many families are thinking about vacations and backyard BBQs. However, for some, the upcoming school year is already causing stress. That’s where St. Mark Youth Enrichment comes in.

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This week marks the start of their annual Apples for Students – Fill the Bag campaign, a community-driven effort to provide school supplies to more than 3,600 students across Dubuque, East Dubuque, and Western Dubuque. With inflation and economic uncertainty still impacting many households, the need is greater than ever.

The initiative supports students in public and parochial schools, focusing especially on Title 1 schools where access to resources is more limited. By providing fully stocked backpacks filled with everything from crayons and pencils to folders and notebooks, St. Mark helps ensure every child starts the school year on equal footing.

Thanks to partnerships with local businesses like Hartig Drug Stores, the organization is able to fill a backpack with supplies for just $59, making every donation go further. This isn’t just about pens and paper; it’s about confidence, dignity, and giving every child the tools to thrive.

Now, the community is being asked to step up. Whether it’s a monetary donation, volunteering your time, or rallying your workplace to sponsor a drive, there are countless ways to make a difference.

If you’re ready to help, visit www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org or go directly to www.greatgiveday.org/stmarkyouthenrichment to donate. Even a small gift can help a child walk into school feeling confident and prepared.

And for families who need support, it’s simple: reach out to your school counselor this August to get your child on the supply list. St. Mark is committed to making sure no student is left behind. Together, Dubuque can make a powerful start to the school year, for every kid.