Back To School Drive

One of my life goals is to at minimum, give back to the community once a year. I’ve so far successfully put together a thanksgiving drive where I gave away 100 turkeys and 100 bags of food in 2017, a homeless Christmas drive where I filled 100 Christmas stockings with essentials in 2018, and two back to school drives where I was able to give out 100 book bags filled with everything a child will need to start school at both events in 2019. Unfortunately in 2020 we all experienced the hardships of the COVID 19 pandemic so I was not able to give back.
 
In New York 631,000 jobs were lost and over 30,000 lives were lost due to COVID-19. There is no doubt about how the pandemic has devastate New York’s economy. New York was facing record homelessness prior to the pandemic, and the virus has only further magnified the holes in the social safety net with its disproportionate impact on homeless New Yorkers. In April 2021, there were 53,199 homeless people, including 17,000 homeless children, sleeping each night in the New York municipal shelter system. As of now there are 453 Department of Homeless Services shelters in New York and 127 of those shelters happen to be in Brooklyn, where I am from.
 
            I truly wish I could help everyone especially those 17,000 children but I am only one person. For the last few years my personal give back number has been 100. However, for 2021 I want to go bigger. I want to reach more families and bring a helping hand and joy to more children. I So I’ve decided to go up to 300. This year I am putting together a back to school drive and giving out 300 book bags filled with the essential items kids are going to need to start school on September 13, 2021.  At this event there will be fun activities for everyone to enjoy such as face painting, balloon animals, sports activities, a dunk tank, a live DJ, food, a clothing drive, and so much more! I am currently waiting to hear back from workforce1 to see if I can have a section of the event dedicated to those looking for work. They can bring their resumes and drop them off to the on-site job recruiter. For me, this is the best way to give back to families in my community.
 
            I am happy and proud to say I have opened up my first LLC and this will be my first major event under my business. One of the highlights so far is FDNY Engine 234/ Ladder 123/ Battalion 38, have partnered with me again and will have the fire trucks present along side the fire fighters to interact and teach the children about fire safety as well as giving away safety first books and freebies! They have also agreed to make this an annual event.
 
            This year, I am going to host my most impactful event on August 28TH! However, I will not be able to support these children on their educational journey without sponsors like you. Your sponsorship can and will make a huge difference in my community. I need to raise $6,000. to have a successful, impactful event that will help these families start the school year off right. Imagine what I can do with your help! Please consider sponsoring this back to school drive. I will be extremely grateful for the opportunity to accomplish this goal and lay a stronger foundation for our students growth.
 
Thank you so much for any help you may be able to provide, I greatly appreciate it! Thank you in advance for your generosity.