Parish Banks, preparing to open her home daycare, worried about affording necessary supplies. Her solution arrived unexpectedly through a Facebook post. The post alerted her to a dumpster outside Carlos Fuentes Elementary in Avondale, filled with discarded school supplies. These materials were ideal for Pristine Leadership Academy, her daycare in Grand Crossing, set to open the next day.
Banks drove to the school, spent time gathering supplies, and left with books, arts and crafts materials, organizers, and more. ‘This was needed. I bought many supplies from Facebook Marketplace,’ Banks explained. ‘I saw the post at 6 a.m. and rushed over because I need so much. This is perfect.’
The online post and the dumpster ignited discussions about the stress on parents to purchase new supplies, while usable materials are often discarded. CPS did not respond to inquiries about the discarded materials, described by many as wasteful. With school material costs rising over 10% since July, reusing these supplies could help.
The state plans to offer a 5% sales tax reduction on school materials from Aug. 7 to Aug. 16 to alleviate growing expenses. According to the National Retail Federation, K-12 families are expected to spend about $863.86 on back-to-school items, up from $858.07 in previous years. These expenses also burden those like Banks, who manage educational centers or daycares.
‘Play-based curriculums and their materials are costly,’ Banks stated. ‘Storage bins alone range from $10 to $15.’ Banks’ efforts to gather discarded supplies reflect her commitment to her community’s future. ‘I’m dumpster diving for young people on Chicago’s South Side,’ Banks said. ‘I’m grateful; I needed this. They could’ve called and given them to me.’
Ashley Di Bella, who originally shared the Facebook post, aimed to prevent waste and assist others like Banks. She stressed that the contents were not merely trash, but usable items like toys and books. ‘I prefer letting people know to come and get these supplies rather than feel upset about their disposal,’ Di Bella stated. ‘Let’s keep them out of landfills.’
Banks quickly began contacting others who could benefit. ‘Get down here,’ she urged a friend over a video call, showing the supplies available.
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