Who We Are

Our Mission

Can you imagine having to choose between buying food and clothes or crayons, pens, scissors, paper and a notebook for your school-age child? Each year, many parents look at the brightly colored "Back to School" banners with dread as they face exactly these choices. The average cost of school supplies per child has grown to over $100 per child. Add a new coat and the cost is now unaffordable for many parents who are already struggling to pay for rent, gas and medical check-ups!

Teachers tell us about children showing up the first day of school without any supplies. Dressed in inadequate or ragged clothing, they often avoid school activities because they are embarrassed to be seen. Not having paper to take notes, or crayons to contribute to the class pool, may seem small, but to kids who are already struggling, having the basic supplies, an adequate clean coat, and new socks and underwear can make a HUGE difference!

The Little Red Schoolhouse Project was founded in 1991 in response to this need. Our goal is to see every child start school with basic school supplies, a backpack, new socks and underwear, and an adequate clean coat.

In 2016 supplies and clothing were given to 2,705 students!

Special thanks to our Contributing Sponsors:

• Family Education & Support Services
• KXXO Mixx 96.1
• O Bee Credit Union
• Independent Order of Odd Fellows
• Community Action Council
• North Thurston Public Schools
• Tumwater School District
• Olympia School District
• Heritage Bank
• Ruth R. Furman Little Red Schoolhouse Fund
• Capital City Storage
• Capital Lakefair, Inc.
• Olympia Lacey Church of God
• Saint Michael Parish
• Color Graphics
• Tumwater Auto Spa and Tumwater Automotive

Founding Sponsors

• St. John Episcopal Church
  
• Junior League of Olympia
  
• KXXO Mixx 96.1

The Little Red Schoolhouse Project is under the fiscal sponsorship of Family Education & Support Services. Their mission is “to inspire healthy child development through the provision of quality family support services.”