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2025 Back to School
Annual Back-to-School Drive: Providing Confidence, Dignity, and Opportunity
Each year, Women In Distress collects school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, and more to support children living in our emergency shelter and outreach programs. These children have experienced the trauma of domestic violence, and for them, starting school with the same fresh supplies as their peers is about more than paper and pencils. It’s about confidence, dignity, and the chance to start fresh.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, this drive ensures that every child we serve enters the classroom feeling prepared and supported. From corporate partners to individual donors, every backpack filled and every binder donated makes a meaningful difference.
We are honored to name our Annual Back-to-School Drive in honor of Joanne DeLizza, a passionate advocate and joyful spirit whose legacy continues to uplift those most in need. Joanne’s connection to Women In Distress was fueled by her deep compassion and unwavering support for survivors. Through her estate, Joanne made a lasting commitment to the mission of ending domestic violence for everyone.
Did you know that over half of the 136 beds in Women In Distress’ emergency shelter are occupied by children?
From babies to high schoolers, serving the smallest survivors of domestic violence is one of the most critical parts of our mission! The Joanne DeLizza Memorial Back to School Drive helps ensure that for our school-aged children, supplies and materials are available for them to start the school year just like any other student. Did you know that Broward County families spent an average of nearly $900 on back-to-school supplies, including clothing and accessories last year? This cost puts a strain on “normal” households – image what it’s like for someone living in an emergency shelter. For children of domestic violence abuse, having supplies for school helps them to hold on to one constant in their lives when everything around them is changing.
Our kids must be prepared and ready for the new school year. Here’s how to give them the school supplies they require:
- Shop for new school supplies and gift cards and drop off between June 1st and July 30th.
To view our school supply list, please click here. - To schedule your drop off, email ekozak@womenindistress.org
Drop off to: Women In Distress Thrift Store, 1372 North State Road 7, Margate 33063 (between Copans Rd.& Coconut Creek Pkwy.)
Or drop off to: Jim and Jan Moran Family Center, 4700 NW 3rd Ave., Pompano Beach, 33064 - Organize a Back-to-School Donation Drive
- Shop our Amazon® Wish List: Click here
- Make a secure online monetary donation: Click here
- Donate gift cards and checks by mail to: Women In Distress, PO Box 50187, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. Make checks payable to Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc.
