What's Happening?
Bailey Elementary School in Lake Station recently received a significant donation from Enchanted Backpack, a charitable organization based in Bensenville, Illinois. The organization delivered boxes filled with school supplies, books, games, clothing,
and other essential items to the school. This marks the first visit by Enchanted Backpack to Lake Station, although they have previously supported schools in other parts of the Chicago area, Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Lavin Family Foundation, which established Enchanted Backpack over 50 years ago. The foundation was originally linked to the Alberto Culver Company, a personal care product business. The donation was made possible after Bailey Elementary's Principal, Kimberly Hayes, applied for the program, highlighting the school's needs, with 84% of its 265 students meeting the federal poverty threshold.
Why It's Important?
The delivery of supplies by Enchanted Backpack is crucial for Bailey Elementary, where a significant portion of the student body comes from low-income families. By providing necessary educational materials and clothing, the organization helps alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by these families. This support can enhance the educational experience for students, potentially improving attendance and academic performance. The initiative also underscores the importance of community and charitable organizations in supporting public education, especially in underfunded areas. By addressing basic needs, such programs can contribute to a more equitable educational environment, allowing students to focus on learning rather than worrying about lacking essential resources.
What's Next?
Following this initial delivery, Bailey Elementary plans to apply for additional support from Enchanted Backpack, including a washer and dryer, along with a year's supply of laundry products. This initiative aims to further reduce absenteeism and boost student self-esteem by ensuring students have clean clothes. Enchanted Backpack's program, which provides laundry machines to five to eight schools annually, was developed in response to feedback from educators. The organization hopes to return to Bailey Elementary in the future to continue its support, potentially expanding its impact on the school community.
