The Coalition for the Homeless launched a back to school project to collect school supplies for an estimated 15,000 homeless kids who attend New York City public schools.

Until September 17, the Coalition will be accepting school supplies at locations around the city. Choose from a Wish List of items, including backpacks, crayons, pens, pencils, binders, and other "must have" supplies that you are probably buying for your own children this weekend!

Other ways to help? Attend a Friday night concert and poetry slam fund-raiser at Notice Lounge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. You must be 21 to get in but the admission price is only $10. and all proceeds go towards buying school supplies. Doors open at 7 p.m.<!--more-->

Check the Coalition for the Homeless website for more details.

Insideschools also learned that the Gap clothing store has donated school clothes for children whose parents are unemployed, receiving food stamps, or homeless. Clothes will be distributed on Saturday, September 11, at Roy Wilkins Park, 119th Street and Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens. The event, running from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is sponsored by the Greater Bethel Community Development Corporation. For more information, see the flier here.

With budget cuts affecting schools and classrooms, and a 9% unemployment ratein the city, schools and students need all the help they can get!

If you know of other opportunities to help support homeless families and other students in need, please share below.