mobanmarketMANASSAS, VA — Herndon resident Arnav Bhalla knows he is fortunate to have easy access to school supplies throughout his school years. But by learning in high school that obtaining school supplies isn’t the same for all students, the rising senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology decided to give back to disadvantaged students in Northern Virginia.
“Throughout my middle and high school years, I have been actively involved in community service activities, such as packing and delivering meals to the Embry Rucker Shelter and organizing back-to-school and essentials drive for Cornerstones,” Bhalla told Patch. “This year, I sought an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students in underserved communities.”
The desire to help students led him to Manassas-based House of Mercy, a Catholic nonprofit that provides necessities like food and clothing to people in need. After getting in touch with volunteer coordinator Rebecca Wire and getting a tour of the nonprofit’s space, he partnered with House of Mercy for a back-to-school drive.
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“While many organizations conduct similar drives, they often cater to younger students, overlooking the specific needs of high schoolers, such as backpacks and shoes, due to their higher costs,” Bhalla said. “As a high school student myself, I understand the importance of starting the school year with all the necessary supplies to feel secure and prepared.”
The back to school drive is collecting a variety of school supplies, but shoes and backpacks for high schoolers are the most needed items. Other items include supplies like crayons, notebooks, pencil boxes, binders and more. Bhalla has his own GoFundMe fundraiser so he can provide shoes, backpacks and other supplies to the drive.
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He estimates 100 to 150 high schoolers in Northern Virginia can benefit from House of Mercy’s back-to-school drive. Overall, House of Mercy could help 500 to 600 families with school supply needs. Last year, the National Retail Foundation estimated Americans families spend an average $890 on back to school needs, which reflects a record number that has increased year to year.
Another way to contribute is dropping off needed items at House of Mercy’s thrift store at 8182 Flannery Court, Manassas, VA.
The fundraiser is open through July 14. Bhalla believes that if a fortunate person can do even a small act of kindness for a person in need, “this world will be a much better place.”
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