The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation helped students in W.H. Taylor Elementary in Norfolk, VA, prepare for the new school year. On Thursday, August 11, 2022, WeLoveU hosted a back-to-school event and donated more than 300 backpacks, each filled with school supplies. Students and their families attended the special ceremony at W.H. Taylor between 10 a.m. and noon with Principal Dr. Feliton. The backpack and school supply donation is part of WeLoveU’s Closing the Homework Gap: Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools campaign. The education initiative is helping more than 3,300 students this year.

Closing the Gap in W.H. Taylor Elementary

According to statistics, in 2021, families in Hampton Roads spent more than $840 on school supplies. This year, it’s estimated that the cost of supplies will increase because of inflation, about $860 per child. Families are speaking out to news channels about the rising costs. Parents’ concerns are growing as they want to prepare their children well for school but may lack the finances to do so. Of the many schools facing the homework gap, W.H. Taylor Elementary School hosts about 330 students and almost half fall below the average socioeconomic status.

To help bridge the gap, WeLoveU volunteers donated more than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at W.H. Taylor Elementary. Their goal was to help alleviate the financial burden and stress of families who are purchasing back-to-school supplies. The initiative is part of WeLoveU’s Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools campaign, and it serves to help close the homework gap in under-resourced communities so that students can have a happier and more successful school year.

Here’s How It Went!

Starting as early as 7:45 a.m., volunteers came together from seven cities in the Hampton Roads area to set up for the donation ceremony. The event started off with a video introducing WeLoveU and the event to the community. Families smiled brightly and expressed their excitement to see the Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools donations taking place in other locations across America as well. Up next, there were a few speeches, including one from the school’s Principal, Dr. Feliton.

“This donation aligns with the school’s mission to ensure that all students achieve their maximum potential,” explained Dr. Feliton. Lastly, the backpacks were distributed to the students.

Sharing Love With the Community

Many families at the donation ceremony expressed how helpful the Packs on Backs and Tools for Schools campaign was. Others explained the current shortages, specifically on composition notebooks, and how thankful they were to receive the supplies right before the school year. “The WeLoveU Foundation is built on sharing a mother’s love with all people of the global village,” said Carrie Song, a WeLoveU volunteer. “Today, we get to share that love with these young students who will grow to become future leaders in our society. We hope that the donation can allow both the students and their families to feel supported.” The Intl.WeLoveU Foundation will continue to garnish and share compassion, unity, and support among all communities.