Birmingham: Mother of 3 supports underprivileged children to get school supplies

Sophie Marie Bennett, a Birmingham resident, says she has witnessed countless parents struggle as a direct result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many families have struggled financially and with cash being diverted to uniforms and food, it has limited their capacity to purchase other school supplies such as stationery, backpacks, and water bottles.

Sophie Marie had planned to buy roughly 20 backpacks on her own after putting a statement on her Black Owned Birmingham Facebook page.

“It may seem insignificant, but something as simple as this may make or ruin a child's first day at school,” Sophie Marie explained.

“I remember my daughter misplaced her suitcase on her first day of school, and not having the pens and pencils she needed, and it scared and upset her.”

“Many parents are struggling as a result of Covid, particularly when they were furloughed or were unable to work. According to the responses I've received from parents, some are having trouble figuring out what to do on that September morning when their children are due to return to school.”

“In the spirit of ‘It Takes A Village,' we're giving away backpacks for secondary school students, complete with essential supplies, in the hopes of relieving some of the pressure on parents and preparing them for that September morning.”

Sophie Marie, from Walsall, has three kids, ages 12, 9, and 3. She understands the daily necessities that youngsters need to take to school.

Pens, pencils, highlighters, a math set, a ruler, a calculator, and a water bottle are included in the backpacks, which cost roughly £15 apiece.

“Within the first 48 hours, we'd been asked for more than 60 bags, and now it's more than 80,” she added, once she realized the surge in demand. “It's astonishing how quickly it's blown up.

“I don't want to take down the form because I don't want any children to lose out; I want to distribute as many as possible.”

The passionate mother wants to continue her charitable efforts and has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help marginalized and underprivileged youngsters in Birmingham.