The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center held its annual School Supply Outreach event on Saturday, August 3, providing nearly 500 low-income children from the Harlem Heights neighborhood with backpacks and school supplies. The initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden on families and equip students with the necessary tools for academic success. The Heights Foundation is dedicated to supporting the educational needs of children in the community, ensuring they start the school year strong.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child in Harlem Heights has the necessary supplies to succeed in school,” said Kathryn Kelly, president and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average. Many parents cannot provide all the things their students will need. We want to send our students back to school ready to learn.”
The event was made possible through donations of supplies, money, and supply drives hosted by individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations.
“We couldn’t host this event without the tremendous support of our community,” said Melissa Barlow, The Heights Center’s Director of Arts and Community Programs. “The 500 backpacks alone are an investment of $7,000, and supplies for each student cost $50.”
Outreach supporters include:
• Backyard Social
• Bank of the Islands
• Crown Colony Community
• Estero Encore Club
• Lake Michigan Credit Union
• RE/MAX Realty Group SWFL
• RG Architects
• Royal Shell Real Estate
• Scotlynn
• Standard Aero Component Repair Services
• Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Workscapes
• Zion Lutheran Church
To learn more about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
