Firefighter Leslie Palucho stands with students showing off their new backpacks at the Firefighters and Friends back-to-school backpack giveaway Aug. 10 at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue along with the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority partnered to help children prepare for the upcoming school year by distributing new backpacks and books Aug. 10 at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
“Giving out backpacks and school supplies isn't just about pencils and paper, it’s about helping our students show up with confidence and the tools they need to be ready to learn and succeed,” said ARHA’s Gaynelle Bowden-Diaz. “Every child deserves the tools to succeed, and when we equip them with those tools, we equip them for life.”
Former City Councilman Willie Bailey founded the Firefighters and Friends organization more than 25 years ago. He added the backpack initiative to the annual holiday toy drive about 12 years ago.
“A big thank you to all our back-to-school sponsors for their incredible support,” said Bailey, who serves as an ARHA Commissioner. “Without their support this would not be possible. We gave away over 400 backpacks with supplies and over 800 books to the families. Thanks to your generous contributions, local students are heading back to the classroom with the resources they need to succeed.”
Representatives from HRP Group once again served as a sponsor of the event.
“HRP Group is excited to again be a part of this year’s Back-to-School Drive,” said Amelia Chasse Alcivar, executive vice president of corporate affairs at HRP Group. “This is our fourth consecutive year partnering with ARHA and Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue to ensure local students have the tools they need to thrive in the coming school year. As we work to transform the Old Town North power plant site into a vibrant new destination, we are proud to have such wonderful partners who share our commitment to building supportive communities that set the next generation up for success.”
Sponsors for the event include: Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority; HRP Global; InspireLit (Books); Alexandria Department of Recreation and Parks; Dominion NOVA Church; Alexandria Police, Fire, and Sheriff's Departments; and founding organization Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue.
Added Larry Brown of Dominion NOVA Church, “Dominion NOVA Church of Alexandria members are always excited and honored to partner with ARHA to connect with parents and children during the Back-to-School Giveaway.”