Photo shows a table from above, with a Yahtzee game box, folders, notebooks and worksheets. Students and tutors are sitting around the table, one leaning forward to write on a sheet.
Tutors work with their students during a tutoring session on Jan. 29, 2025, at Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis. Credit: Rylan Capper for Mirror Indy

Brightlane Learning wants to help Indianapolis students who are experiencing homelessness start the school year with the supplies they need to learn.

And, the Indy nonprofit could use your help.

Now through July 11, Brightlane Learning is collecting donations through its Step Bright Up school supply drive.

The nonprofit hopes to collect basic back-to-school supplies, such as backpacks, notebook paper, pencils, calculators, scissors, flash cards and other essentials so students can show up prepared for their first day of school.

Get the backstory

Contributing to the supply drive is easy. Brightlane Learning is directing those who want to help to an Amazon Wish List. From there, you can choose from items that Brightlane staff have selected to help the students they work with.

Add the items to your cart, pay and Amazon will do the rest — including shipping the items to Brightlane Learning’s team for distribution.

The supply drive supports Brightlane Learning’s greater mission to break the cycle of homelessness through education. The nonprofit works year-round with dozens of schools and community partners to tutor students who are experiencing housing insecurity.

Want to get involved further? Brightlane Learning will have a volunteer information session from 6-7 p.m. July 22 in the nonprofit’s office at 2955 N. Meridian St., Suite 250. The session is open to all and will explain how to get involved through tutoring and other volunteer opportunities.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.

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