Going back to school is challenging for all kids, but it’s especially difficult for foster children. While we didn’t know exactly what the new school year would look like because of COVID-19, we wanted to ensure the children had the necessary tools to thrive in any learning environment. To address these needs and the new challenges that COVID-19 brings, Voices for Children of Broward County launched a virtual and traditional supply drive. Voices for Children of Broward County believes that every child deserves a brand new backpack filled with the first day essentials and brand new clothes to start off the school year with a positive outlook. Many community members and businesses came together to provide support for a very special Back-to-School Drive-Thru Extravaganza, held on August 15, 2020, that provided approximately 250 children with all their first day essentials.
We saw an outpouring of support from individuals, organizations, and businesses coming together to ensure that children in our community start the school year off on the right foot. We are so grateful to our all our donors whose individual and collective efforts have made the Back-to-School Drive-Thru Extravaganza a huge success this year. Thank you for helping to make a difference in a child’s life.
Donna and Jim Inglis
Donna and Jim Inglis have been an invaluable partner to Voices for Children of Broward County. Donna and Jim work tirelessly with numerous organizations and make supporting vulnerable youth a priority in their lives. This year, we knew that with the new learning environment we are in, that foster care children in middle and high school were going to be in desperate need for technology. Donna and Jim answered our call for help and provided over 50 tablets. We are so grateful for Donna and Jim and can’t thank them enough for everything they do to make our community a better place!
Sean John and Global Brands Group
With a new school year, there should be new clothes! Thank you to our friends at Sean John and Global Brands Group for their generous donation of Sean John apparel for our teens. Outfitting teens with new and fashionable clothes allows them to stand a little prouder as they navigate through this academic year. We are so honored to partner Sean John and Global Brands Group.
Garan, Incorporated
Since 1941, Garan Inc. has been manufacturing fun and easy-to-wear clothing for children and adults, worldwide. Their donation of bright and fun girl’s clothes for the Back-to-School Drive-Thru Extravaganza lit up the faces of the children from ear to ear. From dresses to tutus and everything in between, their contribution elevated the excitement of going back to school. Thank you for your support to clothe the foster children in need during this time of year!
Jacaranda Smiles
Jacaranda Smiles continues to be a vital partner to Voices for Children of Broward County. This year, they provided backpacks filled with all the first day essentials and oral health care. We had the pleasure of having 100 backpacks delivered by Jacaranda Smiles’ very own Geronimo the Giraffe! We are delighted and thankful to partner year after year with Jacaranda Smiles to support the children’s continued academic growth and promote smiles for miles!
Precious Dreams Foundation
Voices for Children of Broward County was thrilled to partner with Precious Dreams Foundation at this year’s event. Precious Dreams Foundation is a national non-profit organization that provides bedtime and comfort items and mental health programs that teach self-soothing techniques to children navigating foster care and homeless shelters. With their donation of 250 Comfort Kits filled with pillows, socks, books, and other ‘comfort items’, the children are sure to feel the presence of caring individuals with them always.
In addition, we were proud to partner with Old Navy Oakwood Plaza, Wizard Creations, and the many individuals all who helped make this day perfect. THANK YOU, because of you, the children stand taller and more confident because of your generosity. All of our partner’s support sends a powerful message to the children that they are not alone and that they have friends that are willing to assist them on making sure their first day of school is special. Without champions, advocates, and supporters like you, our work simply would not be possible.
