From Surplus to Success: Five Below’s Impact on Students with CIS of Eastern PA

At Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA), we believe every student deserves the support they need to succeed—in school and in life. Thanks to incredible partners like Five Below, we’re turning that belief into reality for hundreds of students across our region.

Five Below has stepped up in a big way by donating surplus items to our site coordinators, who work directly inside schools to connect students with resources. These items aren’t just “extras”—they’re powerful motivational tools that inspire students to keep showing up, keep trying, and keep believing in themselves. They remind students that being present matters.

Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement. But for many students, challenges outside the classroom can make it difficult to stay motivated. That’s where Five Below’s donations make an impact. Site coordinators use these fun and meaningful incentives as attendance rewards, giving students something tangible to look forward to. Whether it’s a cool accessory, a creative activity item, or something to brighten their day, each reward reinforces the message: your effort matters, and being present matters even more.

This impactful partnership was made possible through the connection of Angie Gerlach, CIS site coordinator at Wilson Area Intermediate School. Angie not only helped forge the relationship with Five Below but also plays a key role in storing and distributing the large pallets of products received. Her dedication ensures that items are delivered where they’re needed most—into the hands of students across Eastern PA—helping them stay engaged and present in school.

So far, students in the Pocono Mountain School District have been the biggest beneficiaries, with Five Below’s generosity helping boost motivation and school engagement. But the ripple effect doesn’t stop there—students in Wilson Area School District, Easton Area School District, and Allentown School District are also benefitting. For some, these items meet basic needs that families may struggle to provide. For others, they’re a reminder that their community believes in them and wants to see them succeed. And in every case, the impact circles back to one powerful truth: Being Present Matters.

When companies like Five Below partner with CIS of Eastern PA, they’re doing more than providing material support—they’re helping transform lives. These donations motivate students to stay in school, build confidence, and strive for brighter futures. They also show that when communities come together, students thrive.

We’re deeply grateful to Five Below—and to champions like Angie —for making such a meaningful difference. Together, we are proving that even small acts of generosity can spark big change in the lives of young people and inspire them to see that being present truly matters.