In June 2022
Pencils and Purpose founder Shoshana Solomon stood in the school supplies aisle at Target, gathering the items her children needed for the upcoming school year. As she scanned the shelves and saw the prices, she was reminded of a time when she couldn’t afford everything on her children's school supply lists. Back then, she would buy what she could and make do with leftovers from previous years.
With those memories
fresh in her mind
Shoshana filled her cart with every supply she could find. Once home, with her living room overflowing with notebooks, crayons, and backpacks, she had one goal: to get these supplies into the hands of families who needed them most. She created a simple flyer and shared it in school group chats. The response was immediate, 55 families signed up, and hundreds of children started the school year with brand-new supplies.
The following year
Shoshana returned to Target and did it all again. Requests had grown, and so did her determination. By 2024, 235 families requested supplies for over 850 students. With the support of local businesses and charitable partners, Pencils and Purpose ensured every student received what they needed.
TODAY
Pencils and Purpose continues its mission: to ease the financial burden of back-to-school preparation and to ensure every student starts the year with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
