SJC Brooklyn is set to launch the new academic year by embodying one of its most deeply held tenets: service.
The College is teaming up with several local community organizations — including the YWCA Brooklyn; Sigma Gamma Rho, a national collegiate sorority; and Street Rootz Entertainment, a local talent management, branding and consulting business — to gather and distribute school supplies to families served by the Brooklyn YWCA.
Donations from the school supply drive in 2018.
The school supply drive will be held at YWCA Brooklyn, located at 30 3rd Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5-7 p.m.
SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said he is proud of the annual collaboration between the College and local organizations.
“Every year, we partner with YWCA Brooklyn and Sigma Gamma Rho to ensure that students in our community begin the school year with what they need to thrive in the classroom,” Dr. Boomgaarden said. “We’re proud to partner with these great organizations to make a meaningful impact in serving our community and supporting its scholars as they work towards their dreams.”
The distribution event will feature a performance by the Young Women Justice League step team. Families will be served dinner and have the opportunity to make backpacks for their children with the supplies provided by the residents of the YWCA, many of whom are formerly homeless, and the partnering organizations.
School Supply Drive Promotes Intellectual Values
Leaders at the local organizations that collaborated with St. Joseph’s for the school supply drive expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to families in need.
“In 1996, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. established Operation Big Book Bag, a nationwide school supply drive, in order to provide access to the tools and mentorship that school age children need to thrive,” said Kim O’Neale, president of the Eta Nu Sigma’s Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “Our chapter is excited to collaborate with the YWCA of Brooklyn, St. Joseph’s College and the Seven Roses Legacy Foundation for our third annual Big Book Bag event, which provides 100 local students with book bags and supplies for the upcoming school year.”
“While we specialize in managing talent and creating long-term partnerships, nothing we do is more important than giving someone all the tools they need in order to develop to be their best selves,” added Lorenzo Hall, the chief executive officer of Street Rootz Entertainment. “We are happy to partner with community-based non- profits and organizations on events that do community-building such as this special Back to School Supply Giveaway.”
The desire to encourage and promote the importance of education drove officials from the local organizations to participate in the event.
“The foundation of empowerment is education; the College Access Program at YWCA Brooklyn exposes young women to the myriad of opportunities that exist with a college degree,” said Martha Kamber, chief executive officer and president of YWCA Brooklyn. “From its roots in the generosity of our residents to our annual partnership with St. Joseph’s College and Sigma Gamma Rho/Seven Roses Foundation, we are all dedicated to ensuring that our scholars begin this school year poised for success.”
