Be a Backpack Angel
empowering women, families, and youth-at-risk through improved literacy, increased positive media, and tools for living.
®
By Katelyn Erstad
All works are owned and copyright and/or trademark protected by Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 charity and/or the artists. All rights reserved.
As summer comes to a close and school bells begin to ring, the new school year brings along many volunteer opportunities for teenagers! My current service project, “Be a Backpack Angel” is just one of the ways to make a change, as school goes back into session.
The "back-to-school" whirlwind causes a wide range of images in my mind including notebooks and binders in my favorite color, rusty lockers, number two pencils, along with friends and new teachers. For some students though, ending the summer to be surrounded by classmates is dreaded. The need to buy supplies and a new wardrobe for the upcoming school year puts a strain on low-income families.
Coming to school on the very first day without a backpack or school supplies fuels the insecurities they carry as a homeless or low-income student. It serves as a reminder that they feel different.
To celebrate “National Be an Angel Day” on August 22nd, I’ll be spending my day at a local hall hosting an annual outreach program that my organization, Angels of God, holds to assist students in need throughout my community. During the back-to-school distribution, they’ll have the opportunity to receive a new backpack filled with coupons and deals from local businesses. From there, they can personally pick out each item they need for classes at organized tables. It doesn’t end there, though! My charity teamed up with local restaurants to donate prepared food for our “Be an Angel Day” Meal. Families will be able to sit down and have a meal after they pick out their free school supplies. We’re also in the process of having hair dressers at hand, ready to style some new hairdos! During the day, other help-providers at the event will be speaking to families about programs that can assist them with necessities like food and shelter. Through this event, volunteers and I hope to create a fun and festive day, while preparing families for a successful school year.
As you make your way to the store to pick up a plethora of books, glue sticks, and pencils, considering buying an extra for a student in need. The office supply store, Staples, makes it easy to give back when shopping. Now until September 19, you can drop off school supplies at your nearest Staples store. All donations will be given to nonprofit charities that work with disadvantaged youth.
With “National Be an Angel Day” right around the corner, I hope I’ve given you some inspiration! What will you do to celebrate this occasion?
Katelyn Eystad, a reporter for The Gift of Giving on Express Yourself Teen Radio, is an ambitious 15-year-old is a rising sophomore in high school. Besides running her non-profit organization, Katelyn can be found on the cheerleading squad, swim team, and golf team at her school during the different sport seasons. She is also an active member of Key Club, Amnesty International, and S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Her favorite activity is blogging. Katelyn wishes to make her mark in the world, and make a difference!
Listen to Katelyn talk about National Be an Angel Day on Express Yourself!™
The "back-to-school" whirlwind causes a wide range of images in my mind including notebooks and binders in my favorite color, rusty lockers, number two pencils, along with friends and new teachers. For some students though, ending the summer to be surrounded by classmates is dreaded. The need to buy supplies and a new wardrobe for the upcoming school year puts a strain on low-income families.
Coming to school on the very first day without a backpack or school supplies fuels the insecurities they carry as a homeless or low-income student. It serves as a reminder that they feel different.
To celebrate “National Be an Angel Day” on August 22nd, I’ll be spending my day at a local hall hosting an annual outreach program that my organization, Angels of God, holds to assist students in need throughout my community. During the back-to-school distribution, they’ll have the opportunity to receive a new backpack filled with coupons and deals from local businesses. From there, they can personally pick out each item they need for classes at organized tables. It doesn’t end there, though! My charity teamed up with local restaurants to donate prepared food for our “Be an Angel Day” Meal. Families will be able to sit down and have a meal after they pick out their free school supplies. We’re also in the process of having hair dressers at hand, ready to style some new hairdos! During the day, other help-providers at the event will be speaking to families about programs that can assist them with necessities like food and shelter. Through this event, volunteers and I hope to create a fun and festive day, while preparing families for a successful school year.
As you make your way to the store to pick up a plethora of books, glue sticks, and pencils, considering buying an extra for a student in need. The office supply store, Staples, makes it easy to give back when shopping. Now until September 19, you can drop off school supplies at your nearest Staples store. All donations will be given to nonprofit charities that work with disadvantaged youth.
With “National Be an Angel Day” right around the corner, I hope I’ve given you some inspiration! What will you do to celebrate this occasion?
Katelyn Eystad, a reporter for The Gift of Giving on Express Yourself Teen Radio, is an ambitious 15-year-old is a rising sophomore in high school. Besides running her non-profit organization, Katelyn can be found on the cheerleading squad, swim team, and golf team at her school during the different sport seasons. She is also an active member of Key Club, Amnesty International, and S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Her favorite activity is blogging. Katelyn wishes to make her mark in the world, and make a difference!
Listen to Katelyn talk about National Be an Angel Day on Express Yourself!™
