On a chilly afternoon on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation partnered with Massachusetts State Representative Russell Holmes and Shaw-Taylor School in the city of Dorchester to host the WeLo’s Winter Clothing Drive. Twenty-one volunteers gathered to bring warmth and comfort to students and their families. 

Addressing Educational Disparities Through Support 

According to a press release citing research by Harvard University, Massachusetts saw the largest increase in the poor-non-poor achievement gap between 2019 and 2023 among the states studied. During the 2023–2024 school year, 82% of students in the Boston Public Schools district were classified as high-need, meaning they were low-income, economically disadvantaged, or students with disabilities. The WeLoveU Foundation aimed to address this disparity by providing winter clothing to families, helping them prepare for the season while easing financial burdens. 

A Day of Giving: Impactful Assistance and Recognition 

Seventy-eight attendees attended the event. To those in attendance, 48 new winter coats, four pairs of gloves, and seven hats, scarf, and glove sets were distributed. Additionally, Shaw-Taylor School contributed winter hats and backpacks filled with school supplies to help students in need. Students tried on their preferred items, making the experience both personal and inclusive. 

At the event, State Representative Russell Holmes said, “The district that I represent…it’s a very challenging district when it comes to resources, so whenever we can do clean-ups, whenever we can help with assistance like this, it is invaluable.” 

Recognition for Continued Commitment 

Following the event, Representative Holmes proudly presented a prestigious citation to the WeLoveU Foundation, honoring the outstanding success of the coat drive as well as the impact of its overarching education initiative. Remarkably, this is the second citation in 2024 that has been awarded by Representative Holmes to WeLoveU.