Over the past several months, students from Paragon Charter Academy worked alongside a local nonprofit, “Because It Matters Project”, to collect backpacks that will be donated to homeless individuals throughout Jackson and Detroit.
The backpacks were collected throughout the fall season and will be donated to the homeless community on Christmas morning. Students and staff worked together to collect more than 100 backpacks for the program.
“It was pretty sweet watching my homeroom kids celebrate when another backpack was donated,” said Brenda Frazier, middle school math teacher at Paragon. “It really is a cool program for kids to get involved in.”
The next step of the program aims to fill the backpacks with everyday necessities such as toiletries and cold-weather clothing. Students are encouraged to bring in these items throughout December. A representative from the organization will then collect the donated items and fill the backpacks prior to delivering them on Christmas.