The Grand Rapids-based company donated $4,500 to purchase backpacks, which allowed school leaders to acquire 790 total book bags. Since Detroit Enterprise currently has 775 students attending their school, each student was able to receive a brand-new backpack filled with materials for the upcoming trimester.
At Detroit Enterprise it is essential to offer students and families an opportunity to come together, especially since learning is being done virtually. “These events build positive relationships between all Detroit Enterprise community members,” shared Emily Gagnon, principal at DEA. “We are so thankful that our students are able to benefit from this act of generosity.”
This donation is part of The Big Pitcher at Founders, which is their corporate giving platform designed to give back to the causes that mean the most to the organization. All causes they support fall under three core categories: Social Justice, Environment, and Arts & Culture, and range from local to national organizations.
“We have a responsibility to do our part to address different needs in the communities in which we live and work, and we are thrilled to be able to make this donation of book bags to children in Detroit,” said Dave Engbers, President of Founders. “Our hope is that, through this donation, we are able to provide a little bit of relief during this challenging time.”
In addition to the backpack giveaway, each student received a pumpkin to decorate, a goodie bag, art supplies, tools to support online learning, and books, to name a few. There was even an opportunity for families to have their photo taken and enjoy fall-themed treats.
Detroit Free Press, FOX2 Detroit, and CBS Detroit were in attendance to tell the story!
About Detroit Enterprise Academy
Detroit Enterprise Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Byron Center, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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