On Sunday, August 27, 2023, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation headquarters in New Windsor, NY, hosted the Packs on Backs donation event. Sixty-two children from local school districts picked from a variety of essential back-to-school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, and much more. The children and their families enjoyed fun outdoor brain games and face painting. At the photo booth, children took photos with WeLo, the organization’s education mascot.   

To prepare for the drive, the volunteers in New York placed donation boxes in their communities and workplaces months in advance. Other sponsors, such as Staples in Middletown, NY, donated pre-made boxes filled with everything a kid needs to kick-start their school year.  

Less Stress Means More Success 

Every year, WeLoveU donates school supplies to under-resourced communities across the nation. By lessening the back-to-school shopping stress, families can focus more on the student’s academic growth and achievements.

Assemblymember Chris Eachus, who was an educator himself for over 40 years in the Hudson Valley area, attended the event. He learned about WeLoveU’s initiatives, toured the facility, and passed out school supplies to children. During his stay, he said, “You can look around and see the faces of the kids glowing. It’s important when they go back to school that they’re prepared. And one of the preparations is exactly what’s happening here — make sure they have the materials to go back to school, and they’re not deficient in any way. The WeLoveU Foundation is doing exactly that.”

Volunteers from the WeLoveU chapter in New York were glad to participate in a community event that brought happiness and financial relief to their neighbors. “Today’s event will help students today and every day they’re in school. Ensuring our youth have success kits like backpacks and school supplies is the least we can do to foster their growth,” said volunteer Jessica LoGreco.