End the Year & Pay It Forward

We will wrap up our final projects in a few short weeks, returning library books and purging lockers of our leftover school supplies. It seems like just yesterday I was in Target going over Blake's fresh school supplies list to find the perfect folder for French - the color, the materials, the design. Not long ago, I didn't fully understand how many students around us struggle to afford the most basic school supplies, let alone find them in the perfect pattern.

Last summer, I became a co-contributor to Blake's 2023 Backpack Drive. The program is managed by Director of Service Learning & Community Engagement, Lisa Sackreiter, in partnership with Resource West, a local nonprofit based in Hopkins, whose goal is to help ensure that "the most vulnerable in our community are seen, valued, heard, and helped," according to Community Director Zach Spirov.

He also shared that "nearly 24% of students in the Hopkins School District are economically disadvantaged," noting that "people would be surprised at how many local kids come to school unprepared to be successful in the learning environment due to not having the right physical things."

Fortunately, the entire Blake community came together last fall to support our neighbors and Ressource West. We delivered over 100 backpacks, each one filled to the brim with Hopkins’ required school supplies. The backpacks, in various shapes, colors, and sizes, demonstrated our commitment to helping each other. Our student team played a crucial role in managing the drive, from creating communications to collecting, sorting, and delivering the final donation on behalf of Blake.

Students - like you - of all ages can make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors and Resource West. Your actions, whether it's spreading the word, donating, or volunteering, can bring about real change. This year, our student team is aiming to surpass last year's donations, and with your help, we can make it happen.

Let's again join forces for the 2024/2025 school year to support Resource West and provide stability to those in need. Your support, big or small, is appreciated. Together, we can make a difference in our community. More information will be released in a few short weeks.

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