Meir Panim is kicking off the school year by giving out packages filled with school supplies to children from disadvantaged families, helping to confront one of the biggest challenges facing Israel’s needy families at this time of year.

Each year the cost of school supplies rise in Israel. For families that come from the lower socioeconomic rungs of society, purchasing all of the supplies that their children need can be quite difficult. Meir Panim is there to lend a hand to these families and to give disadvantaged children a fresh start to the new year.

The organization hands out packages filled with all of the basic supplies that elementary school children will need for the coming year. These packages include brand-new writing instruments, notebooks, school bags, rulers, scissors and a variety of other supplies. “Starting off the school year with the proper supplies, especially in the lower grades, is an integral element to creating a learning environment that is both supportive and challenging.”

Meir Panim has therefore taken upon itself to distribute gift packages to students across the country. The annual distribution is done just before the beginning of the scholastic year, so that the students can feel comfortable on their first day.

While the distribution is mainly focused on students of elementary and middle schools, some packages are given out to students at the high school level as well. All of the beneficiaries are referred to Meir Panim by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Absorption.

According to Meir Panim, “Without proper supplies children often feel that they lack the materials needed to succeed at learning. The lack of proper supplies leads to lower motivation for the students, and is clearly damaging to their overall success.”