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Rochester, NY

Rochester's Community Wishbook

 

The Pencils and Paper Program
(A Program of Jewish Family Services)

1099 Jay Street, Building N, Dock 9
Rochester , New York 14611
Phone: 585-736-4610
Contact: Ruthie Seablom

The Pencils & Paper Program at JFS Rochester serves the educational and creative needs of children in the Greater Rochester area by providing free school supplies to teachers in schools that educate a high percentage of students living in poverty. The program provides free school supplies to teachers in high-need schools, ensuring that children have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. Teachers can shop twice a year and receive an estimated $1,400 worth of school supplies at each shopping trip. By partnering with local schools, the program helps to reduce the financial burden on families who struggle to provide basic school supplies for their children.The Pencils & Paper Program recognizes that access to quality education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and that basic school supplies are a fundamental aspect of that goal. By providing free school supplies to teachers, the program empowers educators to better support the needs of their students, creating a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the community. Additionally, the program is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability by recycling surplus office supplies and materials, further contributing to the health and well-being of the local community.

For more information, special requests or to inquire if your school is participating, please contact Ruthie Seablom at rseablom@jfsrochester.org or call (585) 736-4610. Appointments are required to shop at Pencils & Paper.
Appointments available August through April
Tuesdays  3:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Thursdays 3:00 pm – 5:45 pm

Wish List:
We do not accept used crayons, colored pencils, used erasers, used child scissors, hanging files, envelopes, used notebooks, lined pads.
  • crayons (24 count, Crayola preferred)
  • glue bottles (4 oz+, Elmer's preferred)
  • washable markers (8 count assorted colors, Crayola preferred)
  • disinfecting wipes canisters (35+ count; Clorox or Lysol preferred)
  • dry erase markers (4 or 8 count assorted colors; EXPO preferred)
  • Band-aid boxes (100+ count)
  • composition books
  • construction paper
  • copy paper
  • highlighters
  • journals
  • pencils and pens
  • pencil cases
  • pocket folders
  • Port-it Notes
  • scissors
  • staplers
  • hand sanitizer
  • hand soap
  • Kleenex tissue
  • paper towels

Volunteers Needed:
  • If you are interested in volunteering, contact Shannon Megna, email: smegna@jfsrochester.org

Reviewed by agency 4/9/24.  (Contact information and description updated.)