Overlake Specialty School (OSS) serves students in grades 1-12 who struggle with emotional and behavioral challenges. School districts across the Seattle metro area send kids to OSS for their unique program and intensive, positive behavioral supports. The school gets kids back on track and, whenever possible, returns them to their home schools with new skills and new hope.

Emotional and behavioral challenges are big hurdles to overcome. But some students have additional barriers. Their families are struggling with the cost of food, clothes, and other basic needs. Imagine a child who needs new shoes or a warm coat when their family can’t afford those items. How would that impact them in school?

The OSS Student Support Fund is a way for caring people to help those kids. Donated money is used to purchase gift cards for families to use for food and other critical needs. OSS staff members also take some students shopping so they can pick out their own clothes. Sometimes it's the first time they have ever gotten to do that.

This is not an "awareness" program. These are not "advocacy" dollars. Every penny of your gift will be spent on a tangible item that a child needs.

Staff members at the school tell me that a simple thing most children take for granted, like going shopping for a few new outfits for school, has a powerful effect on a child who has been wearing outgrown clothes and tattered shoes. It tells them that they are cared for, they are seen, they are important. It changes their view of themselves. It helps them stand taller in the world, and that translates to increased success in school.

The impact is huge, and you can help! Your gift of any size will make a world of difference to a child in need.

That's all I want for my birthday. Thank you for helping!