Back-to-school season is almost upon us, and for many kids, this year is more exciting than most. It'll be the first time many kids step back into a classroom, and things have changed a lot.
Piplsay Research revealed that 38% of American families out of 14,000 surveyed anticipated spending over $300 on back-to-school shopping this year. One-third of those families will try to reuse products from previous years, while another one-third anticipate starting from scratch.
There are many famous faces out there who know just how special back-to-school season is for kids. They also know how hard it can be on families in tough situations. Thankfully, in the spirit of giving back, these celebrities are helping lighten the load on families ahead of this school year. LittleThings had the opportunity to chat with one of those famous faces, award-winning actor and dad Taye Diggs.
Taye Diggs
AdoptAClassroom.org and Burlington have partnered together for five years to help school communities. "Burlington is an incredible partner and champion of PreK-12 education in the communities where their associates and customers live and work. Their commitment makes the work we do possible," said Ann Pifer, executive director of AdoptAClassroom.org.
"Burlington continues to provide classrooms with the tools and materials needed so more of our nation's children can learn and succeed in school."
Shoppers at Burlington can help by donating $1 or more when checking out their purchases through August 9. It's the second year that actor and dad Taye Diggs has been part of the partnership.
Taye spoke with LittleThings about what the partnership means to him as the son of a teacher and someone who credits his education with his success. He explained that after the death of his mom two years ago, initiatives that give back to schools mean more to him than ever.
"A lot of people don't realize that there are a lot of teachers out there who dig into their own wallets to provide for their classrooms because they want their students to do well," he noted.
The partnership also allowed Taye to give back to his alma mater, School of the Arts in Rochester, New York. They received $75,000 toward supplies for the new school year.
"I was able to talk to a few of my old teachers, a few of the current teachers and principals," he shared. He also explained the impact of what the donation would mean to the school community.
"It means so much. It's nice to know that people know what you're going through. Being a teacher is in many ways a thankless job, especially in the moment, and it's not until your students get a little bit older that they can appreciate what teachers have done for them.
"Me coming back today, I can say I wouldn't be who I am without my teachers, specifically from School of the Arts. I was able to speak to one of my favorite teachers, Mary Lee Miller, and she said there were many times that she chose to go into her own pocketbook and provide for us, paying for certain field trips and whatnot, and I had no idea.
"All that really contributed to the performer I was back then and gave me the inspiration to continue to follow my dreams and become the performer I am today, so it means a lot. It means a lot to the teachers just to feel heard and then the actual help that's being provided."
Taye recalled being a student who enjoyed both the social and academic aspects of school. He's enjoying seeing some of those same qualities in 11-year-old son Walker Diggs. Taye touched on what giving back to schools means to him as a parent:
"There's so much craziness going on in the world and so much we can't control, but this is an issue I can feel a modicum of being able to give, of time and energy and money sometimes, to solve these problems."
Taye and Walker enjoy back-to-school season, particularly the shopping. "We didn't have a lot of money coming up, and to have some money now so I can provide for my son all the stuff I couldn't afford back then," he laughed.
"Everyone wins."
Andy Roddick
Kids undoubtedly have a lot of big feelings this back-to-school season. The Andy Roddick Foundation is helping them learn how to navigate those feelings with their Whatchamafeelit Kit to enhance social and emotional learning. It helps build skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision making.
"It's no secret that the past year has been challenging for students, educators, and parents," tennis Hall of Famer Andy Roddick shared in a statement.
"Virtual learning, seeing our friends less, and general anxiety about the future have brought up so many different feelings, and we want to help our families safely process those emotions."
Bad Bunny
Rapper Bad Bunny is teaming up with Cheetos for a contest that will award $500,000 in total prizes to students in the United States and Puerto Rico as part of the Deja tu Huella (Leave Your Mark) campaign. Students are encouraged to make TikTok videos using the hashtag #DejatuHuella, taking the 60 seconds to explain how they're leaving their mark on the community, the culture, or the world. Students can enter through August 18, and 10 will be chosen to receive $50,000.
"It's an honor to give back to the Hispanic community that has done so much for me," Bad Bunny said in a statement.
"Between music and fashion, there are so many ways to leave your mark on culture, and I want to encourage everyone to follow whatever path inspires them. That's what the Deja tu Huella program is all about."
