Between underfunded schools, underpaid teachers, and inflated prices, students are going back to school without basic supplies. Now Women With Pride and the Pride Center are working to fill the gap. They’re teaming up with the Broward Education Foundation (BEF) to help all students start the year with what they require.

“Some students may not have the means to purchase supplies and this program can help fill the gaps,” Women With Pride’s Diane Pappafotis said.

Indeed, it’s estimated more than 200,000 students in Broward County live in poverty, and 75% will start the school year without many of the “backpack basics.”

Teachers will benefit too. Colorful and educational classrooms don’t pay for themselves. Too often, teachers do. Nearly every teacher spends their own money to make classrooms as engaging as possible. BEF is also helping them.

You can drop off donations in and around Wilton Manors. In addition to the Pride Center, supplies can be dropped off at Minuteman Press on 4th Ave., CVS on Oakland Park Blvd and 31st Ave., and Tap That Ash next door to Hunters Nightclub.

John Resnick, co-owner of Tap That Ash, has a sister who is a teacher, and knows the need is great.

“Watching what has transpired over 30 years of my sister teaching, [educational funding] doesn’t trickle down. It somehow stays up top. These teachers are unbelievable.”

If you think dropping off a pack of pencils or a box of crayons can’t make an impact, think again. Last year, BEF’s drive benefited 130,000 students in 195 schools, and helped more than 12,000 teachers enhance their classrooms. Also, donations get a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, helping the organization buy in bulk.

The back-to-school supply drive runs through Aug. 17.