On Friday, September 9, 2022, more than 25 volunteers from the International WeLoveU Foundation partnered with P.S. 155, the William Paca School, in Harlem, to deliver 230 backpacks in time for the new school year. The backpack donation is part of WeLoveU’s Closing the Homework Gap: Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools campaign. The campaign is part of the Closing the Homework Gap program, which the nonprofit launched in 2020. Deputy Manhattan Borough President Keisha Sutton-James, New York State Assemblyman Edward Gibbs, and the New York Department of Education School Superintendent Lisa Reiter were in attendance.

Love and Unity in the Air

The event was full of energy from start to finish. The event set-up in the auditorium started at 7 a.m. Balloons, banners, and the soon-to-be-given backpacks decorated the room. Principal Marcia Torres and Assistant Principal Ayo Mendez-Torres kicked off a pre-event pep rally. They played lively songs, which awoke the students in the morning and filled the room with excitement and energy. “I feel so much joy to be here,” said Principal Torres, “We are so lucky to have support from our local community. We truly thank you.”

“It is important to know what love looks like — love heals and brings people together,” shared Mendez-Torres. “Thank you for allowing us to begin our school year with such a great start.”

Bamidele Babalola, a WeLoveU volunteer, said, “To help alleviate the burden on families even just a little bit, WeLoveU is here today to support our students and schools. We hope you realize that this event goes beyond school supplies and that we support you and are cheering you on!”

The Cherry on Top

Deputy Manhattan Borough President Keisha Sutton-James shared gratitude and encouragement to the students and volunteers, saying, “I want to thank the community who are investing time and energy to serve the school. Thank you for the impact you are making worldwide and for bringing your love to Harlem.”

New York State Assembly Member Edward Gibbs and Superintendent Lisa Reiter distributed the backpacks with the principals and staff. During this time, students K-5 were ecstatic as they picked the backpack of their choice. Soon after, volunteers visited the pre-K students’ classrooms to deliver their bags. Their happy faces lit up the hearts of the volunteers.

While at P.S. 155, the WeLoveU Foundation received a citation from New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Closing the Gap Together

The donation is part of WeLoveU’s education program, Closing the Homework Gap: Packs on Backs & Tools for Schools. In 2022, the campaign will help more than 3,300 students in nine schools across the country receive new backpacks and school supplies. The end of summer is when most families do their back-to-school shopping, and this is a time that often places a heavy financial burden on parents.

The project aims to alleviate the financial impact families in under-resourced communities face during back-to-school shopping. Research shows that back-to-school supply spending increased 22% since 2019, and school supply prices increased between 15% and 30% since inflation hit a 41-year high. In addition, schools are expanding their supply lists because of the coronavirus pandemic.