The sun shined radiantly, and smiles were bright as volunteers and cheerleaders from local schools in Madison, Rankin, and Hinds counties collected donations and supplies for the annual school tools drive. The School Tools drive is a partnership between United Way of the Capital Area and Channel 16 WAPT News that ensures students have what they need to succeed in the classroom. Corporate sponsors and volunteers set up tents outside of Walmart stores in Clinton, Flowood, Byram, and Madison on July 12, 2024, during tax-free weekend, to collect items including but not limited to pens, paper, notebooks, crayons, markers, glue, erasers, scissors, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, and folders.
“ARE! YOU! READY! FOR! Are you ready for back-to-school because we are ready for you!” cheered the Ridgeland High School Cheerleaders as they inspired donors to contribute to the drive. Other cheerleader teams volunteering included Terry and Northwest Rankin High School. Alongside United Way and 16 WAPT staff were volunteers from FedEx, Cricket Wireless, Members Exchange, Byram Fire Department, TrustCare, MS ACLU, Atmos Energy, and AT&T. Over the six-hour event, volunteers collected around 6000 school supplies and $2552.16 in monetary donations.
“Thank you to our amazing community and volunteers for a successful School Tools Drive!” WAPT News posted on their Facebook page. “Thanks to your donations, many students will be fully equipped to embark on their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm.”
After the drive, United Way staff collected the donations and stored them at their office building to be sorted for delivery. Students from Madison Ridgeland Academy and Ridgeland High School helped sort the items for a smooth transition to the agencies that would benefit from them. Recipients of the School Tools drive must be non-profit agencies in Madison, Hinds, or Rankin counties with direct student access. The beneficiaries of the 2024 School Tools Drive are as follows: Christians in Action, Jackson, MS, Ruth Wilson Children and Youth Stabilization Center (Hinds Behavioral Health Services) Jackson, MS, In His Steps Ministry, Canton, MS, Bethlehem Center, Jackson, MS, Pearson Foundation, Pearl, MS, and Camp Pioneer, Pearl MS.
The Ruth Wilson Children and Youth Stabilization Center is Mississippi's only Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), a unique and invaluable resource for children in crisis. They serve children between the ages of 11 and 17 years old who experience crises like suicide ideation, depression, discontinuation of mental health medications, exhibiting high-risk behaviors, or being a danger to others. The center has a 24-hour staff and receives students around the clock. They provide mental health services and housing until they are stable enough to return to their permanent residence.
Diedere Hollins, Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor from the CSU noted appreciation for the school supplies. “Some of these kids don’t have a lot. . .Anything that they can take away, whether it's something tangible or what they’ve learned, I think is great.”
Like the Ruth Wilson Crisis Stabilization Unit, Camp Pioneer is also a one-of-a-kind agency. It is the only Black Christian residential summer camp in Mississippi. During the school year, Camp Pioneer provides tutoring and mentoring programs. Bryan Jefferson, the Director of Camp Pioneer, mirrored Hollins’ gratitude for the donations. “[I] can’t wait to see the looks on their faces,” he said. “Usually, they show a great appreciation for the things that we’re able to provide for them, so we’re excited about the opportunity that we have with United Way as we partner with them.”
The 2024 School Tools drive exemplifies how United Way of the Capital Area fulfills its mission to improve lives and build strong communities by uniting individuals with the will, passion, expertise, and resources needed to solve problems. For more information on how to volunteer for future initiatives like this, create an account using the link below.
