Key facts
- Demand increase
- Over 200% more than 2019
- Average planned spending
- $863.86 per family
- National back-to-school spending
- $43.3 billion (record)
- Event dates
- Aug. 21-22 (clothing), Aug. 29 (backpacks)
- Last year's daily families helped
- About 500 per day
- Founder
- Brenda Hughes (started 1991)
Background
Jackson Michigan Giving Back, a nonprofit in Jackson, Michigan, traces its origins to founder Brenda Hughes, who began assisting people from her basement in 1991 by providing meals, clothing, and other aid. The organization obtained nonprofit status in 2019 and has since expanded its services to include basic household needs, baby supplies, clothing, and monthly food giveaways.
The group relies on donations, grants, and community support to stock items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, and formula. Secretary Britany Marcia noted that the current funding cycle has been challenging, with Hughes often using income from her painting business to support the nonprofit's operations.
Current situation
Demand for assistance has climbed dramatically, according to Marcia. "I would say it's increased like massively. I mean, over 200 percent more than what we had in 2019, and each year it just continues to get bigger and the need greater," she said, attributing the rise to inflation and financial pressures on families.
The need spans income levels, with Marcia noting that even working professionals struggle. "Nurses, teachers. I mean, even, you know, like I said, nurses that work at the hospital. It's just not enough. Nobody is making enough to not struggle," she said.
The National Retail Federation reports that families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade plan to spend an average of $863.86 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics this year, with total nationwide back-to-school spending expected to reach a record $43.3 billion.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average family spending | $863.86 |
| National total spending | $43.3 billion |
| Demand increase since 2019 | Over 200% |
| Families helped per day last year | About 500 |
Impacts
The nonprofit's annual "Look Good, Feel Good" back-to-school clothing program, scheduled for Aug. 21 and 22 at its facility on Clinton Road in Jackson, aims to provide eligible students with new clothing, shoes, coats, and other essentials. Parents must provide identification, birth certificates, and school registration documents.
Last year, demand stretched for blocks, with Marcia saying, "Our line like was all the way to True Community Credit Union. On average, we were helping about 500 families each day, give or take." A separate backpack giveaway is planned for Aug. 29.
The program was created after Hughes' own experiences with bullying and aims to help students feel confident when they return to the classroom. The organization does not turn anyone away, as Marcia emphasized: "Everybody, anybody who walks through our doors needs our help. So we don't turn anybody away."
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If inflation and financial pressures persist, demand for the nonprofit's services could continue to rise, potentially straining its resources. The organization may need increased donations and community support to meet growing needs.
Should funding remain tight, the nonprofit might have to rely more on volunteers and creative solutions, such as Hughes' personal contributions, to sustain its programs. Larger events could draw between 20 and 200 volunteers, depending on availability.
If economic conditions improve, demand might stabilize or decline, allowing the organization to focus on expanding its reach. However, the exact trajectory remains unclear, and the nonprofit's ability to serve families will depend on ongoing community support.
Source: wkar.org
