Hundreds of community members, corporate and individual donors stepped up with overwhelming support after flooding from recent heavy rains destroyed at least 100 backpacks set to be given to Hartford students this week by The Village for Families & Children before the start of school.
In just two days, donors contributed over $30,000—more than enough to replace the damaged backpacks and provide additional assistance for hundreds of low-income children and families.
“We are incredibly grateful for the quick response by so many despite this unfortunate situation,” said Galo Rodriguez, Village president & CEO. “We are now able to turn it into something positive by ensuring even more children have what they need for a good start to the school year.”
Students received their backpacks and supplies today at an event at The Village’s Spring Street Family Center at 105 Spring Street in Hartford, just in time for school to start on Monday.
“The Village helped [us] out a lot and I really appreciate it. Thank you for the bookbags,” said Mike Oliver, Village Fatherhood Engagement Services client and parent of a Hartford student, at the event.
Generous supporters include Care Centrix, Cornerstone Foundation, Educational Resources, FOX61, The Hartford, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Horizon Escapes, Men Standing Up Against Violence, Mitchell Volvo, Ocean State Job Lot, Pepperidge Farms, Spirit and Truth Apostolic Church, Stanley Black & Decker, The Village Auxiliaries, Travelers, Vox Church, Wethersfield Public Schools, and many individual donors.
The Village partners with several Hartford Public Schools to provide children with services and supports to be successful in school, while also supporting the healthy development of their families, and provides resources, basic needs assistance and family strengthening programs at their Spring Street Family Center.
The need for backpacks and additional supports for the thousands of children and families we serve each year extends beyond the loss of these backpacks, so there is still opportunity to help children and their families this school year. Click here to read more.