Alternate Ways to Give

In July of each year, we hold a back-to-school drive called Start Smart Education Essentials. Supplies, including backpacks and uniforms, are personalized for each student so they can begin the school-year prepared for their unique school assignments. To help a specific student, email christina@psmlakeland.org for an assignment. To shop our Amazon wish list, click here. 

For 2023, deliver items by July 28 to 719 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801.

To give online, visit psmlakeland.org/startsmart.

Questions or to schedule pick-up, call (863) 682-4544.

We can always use school supplies throughout the year because backpacks wear out, and we utilize a bank of supplies for homework and school projects. Take a look at the next section for our year-round school supply list.

More than 100 children are offered 800+ hours of academic support year round. That requires a lot of supplies be kept on hand at PSM. Help parents, schools, teachers, and students be prepared by hosting a drive anytime to refresh our supplies OR watch the website in July for the annual, personalized drive (Start Smart Education Essentials) for each student which provides backpacks filled with custom supplies and two new sets of uniforms.

YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

• Backpacks (individual styles/colors)
• Pencils
• Pens
• Markers
• Colored pencils
• Highlighters
• Glue sticks
• Notebook paper
• 1-inch binders
• Tab dividers
• Small poster boards
• Kindergarten writing paper
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer/Lysol wipes/hand wipes

Deliver to 719 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801. Questions or to schedule pick-up, call (863) 682-4544.

Healthy snacks + healthy portions = great lifetime habits. Health is integrated into the Academic Enrichment Program curriculum as we align with Polk Vision’s Quality of Life Task Force in implementing 5-2-1-0: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day; 2 hours of entertainment-oriented screen time; 1 hour of physical activity; and 0 sugary drinks. We encourage and help implement this through our choice of snacks and screen time.

We are looking for fresh and colorful fruits and vegetables for our year-round Academic Enrichment Program. Help expand palates, teach portion control, and build healthy bodies. Contact Hannah Scruggs at (863) 682-4544 or volunteer@psmlakeland.org to arrange timing and delivery of individually packaged snacks in increments of 50-100.

HEALTHY SNACKS WISH LIST

• Apples
• Oranges or Cuties
• Bananas
• Grapes (in bags of 15)
• Watermelon
• Honeydew
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Celery and peanut butter
• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Portable yogurt
• Small packages of peanuts
• Small packages of trail mix
• Granola bars
• Popcorn
• Cheez-Its
• Chex Mix
• Pretzels
• Animal crackers

Shop our wish list below for the annual Neighborhood Christmas Store!

CHRISTMAS STORE WISH LIST

• Teen bedroom accessories/décor: pillows, lamps, wall art, etc.
• Teen make-up, nail polish
• Teen cologne/perfume
• Teen fitness equipment
• Electronic phone accessories: speakers, chargers, etc.
• Art supplies for children & teens
• Jewelry for children & teens
• Lotion and hair accessories for children & teens
• Purses and wallets for children & teens
• Dolls/Barbie dolls (Black, Hispanic)
• Footballs, basketballs, kickballs
• Educational toys, games, and puzzles
• Skateboards
• Baby/infant toys
• Preschool toys
• Funds to buy wheeled items
• LEGO toys of all sizes
• Preschool dress-up/role playing outfits/supplies
• Christmas wrapping supplies: gift bags and bike bags (all sizes from small to large), tape, bows, scissors, gift tags, and wrapping paper

Appreciated stocks. Mandatory distributions from IRAs. Estate planning. Employer matches. We have been blessed by all these channels of generosity. For more information, email Sarah Breed at sarah@psmlakeland.org or call (863) 682-4544.

Parker Street Ministries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity. Deductibility should be determined by your tax advisor.