On Friday, September 16, 2022, WeLoveU hosted a back-to-school event by donating backpacks at Achievement First Crown Heights Middle School in Brooklyn, NY. Around 370 students and their families attended the donation ceremony to receive the tools needed to succeed in the new school year. The donation is part of WeLoveU’s education program, “Closing the Homework Gap: Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools,” which will help more than 3,300 students in nine schools across the country receive new backpacks and school supplies. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, School District Superintendent Dumar Paden, and School Principal Victoria Pierre joined the event.

Once in a Lifetime Memory

This is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that Achievement First Crown Heights Middle School gathered for an event. The WeLoveU volunteers set the mood with upbeat music and choreographed dance to liven up the auditorium as the students, teachers, and our special guests entered. Soon after, the principal came on stage. She said, “For our school to have the opportunity to provide free bookbags for every single student is something our students and families will remember for a long time! The fact that there’s a foundation like WeLoveU that exists to support the start-of-school needs of many inner-city students is a testament to the power that care and service can have on a community. Thank you!”

Roxanne Miller, WeLoveU’s spokesperson, is a long-time volunteer. She addressed the crowd, “We hope you realize that this event goes beyond back-to-school gear, and we want you to know that we support you and are cheering you on. The past two years may not have been easy, but we want you to know that you’re not alone. We encourage you to study hard, listen to your parents and attend school every day to receive the best education possible for a bright future.”

Special Guest Appearance

On stage, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso presented the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation with a proclamation. Moreover, School District Superintendent Dumar Paden said, “Don’t underestimate the importance of a backpack.”

As the students received their backpacks, bright smiles immediately lit up their faces, in awe of their new school gear. An eighth-grade student thanked WeLoveU volunteers, saying, “We are very grateful for this event. It allows us to get supplies that our parents could not afford otherwise.” Jayden, another eighth-grade student, shared, “It feels pretty cool. I’ve been at the school eight years now, and you see an event like this; it’s something you never experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime memory.”

Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools aims to bring excitement to students and financial relief to their families. The campaign is part of the ‘Closing the Homework Gap Program,’ which the nonprofit launched in 2020. Initially, the program supported students with tablets and devices at the start of remote learning. Since then, the program has branched out to provide students with backpacks and school supply kits.

The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation will continue working towards closing the homework gap, bringing a hopeful future to both students and educators across the globe.