Operation Fill-A-Backpack
Whether kids head back to school or learn virtually in September, it is more important than ever that students are prepared to start the school year. You can give a child the confidence needed to succeed by making a monetary donation to our Operation Fill-A-Backpack drive! To ensure the health and safety of the families we serve and Oaks employees, we are asking for your support virtually in 2020.
Many parents of children in Oaks Integrated Care programs cannot afford new backpacks and basic school supplies. The need for support has skyrocketed during the pandemic for families like Anthony’s…
Anthony’s Story
When you ask five-year-old Anthony if he’s ready to start kindergarten in the fall, he will tell you with the biggest smile how he can’t wait to meet his teacher and new friends. It wasn’t always easy, but over the last few years Anthony made great strides in our First Step program- a specialized pre-school for children experiencing emotional and behavioral disturbances.
Anthony was admitted to the program in 2018 after showing aggression toward others, cursing and even pulling out his own hair when he was asked to do something he didn’t want to do. During his time with First Step, he has learned how to express his feelings with words and gained problem solving skills. His social skills also improved dramatically which made it even harder not to see his friends when the program closed in the spring due to COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic, Anthony’s family has struggled emotionally and financially. His mom lost her job and several family members passed away due to COVID-19. Our staff continue to support the family by providing food from the Oaks Food Pantries and activities for Anthony to do at home to help prepare him for kindergarten both academically and socially.
Give the Gift of Opportunity
As the first day of kindergarten quickly approaches, Anthony couldn’t be more excited but his family is worried that they won’t be able to afford the required school supplies. Your $25 donation will ensure over 1,000 children and teens in Oaks’ programs receive a NEW backpack filled with school supplies. But it’s not just about pens, binders, or notebooks– it’s about giving the gift of opportunity and the confidence needed to learn successfully, in school or at home.
Make a donation today to support our most vulnerable community members! For more information, contact Addy Castellar at 609-267-5928 or email aldelise.castellar@oaksintcare.org.
