Grace House provides free school supplies to St. Joseph families

By Jazmine Knight

Families struggling with the costs of back-to-school shopping got some help on Tuesday thanks to Grace House.

Grace House, located at 2638 Lafayette St., hosted its 17th annual Back 2 School event where the group gave away free school supplies and clothing.

“It gives them a little self-esteem. They feel good about themselves and they don’t have to raise their hand and say, ‘I don’t have my stuff,’” said Ruth Costello, owner of Grace House.

Last year, about 1,300 students took advantage of the free supplies. This year, that number grew.

Students of all ages received backpacks, various school supplies, socks, underwear, an outfit and even hygiene supplies. The older kids also receive a copy of the New Testament. This is all to uphold Grace House’s mission, which is to take a load off the parents’ shoulders.

“If you have three or four kids to fill those backpacks, get those shoes, get those clothes, that’s a lot of money,” Costello said. “I can’t even imagine preparing for back to school. So it helps them feel good as a parent that they can provide this.”

Costello said Grace House prepares throughout the year by shopping sales and receiving donations.

Parent and first-time attendee Nigel Sauter said the experience at Grace House is phenomenal.

“It’s very helpful. It’s incredibly helpful. And it makes things a lot easier,” he said. “It’s a great thing.”

For Costello, it’s all about the kids.

“(My favorite part is) watching the kids smile,” Costello said.

For families who missed the Back 2 School event, it’s not too late to receive some assistance. Grace House suggests visiting this Thursday and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Early arrival is advised.