Thanks to all of our loyal supporters, donors and sponsors like Team Shop Premiums, General Dynamics, Western Destinations and all the people that attended the event! Planning for 2010 is already under way.
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SAFE Program and New Online Retail Store Off to Successful start
The interest in our new online retail store and SAFE matching grant program has been nothing short of incredible. Since launching the store on May 1 (enter by clicking on the red store icon to the right), over 100 schools have signed up to accept the matching grant and shop for their school uniforms. Our projectings called for 67 schools in the program in the first year! We still have funds available for the matching grant but schools need to act quickly as they are on a first-come first-serve basis. Apply by clicking on the yellow SAFE Application icon to the right.
Here are a few stories that appreard recently in the Business Journal and the Arizona Republic.
Nonprofit brings uniformity to school via online store
School-clothing charity sees growing need for aid
For additional information on the program and how your school can take advantage of the SAFE matching grant and shop in our online retail store, contact Jean Pegler, program administrator, at (623) 842-1727 or via email at jean@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com
Executive Director Karl Gentles is available to present at your next school district superintendents or principal's meeting about the program. To schedule Karl please email karl@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com or call (623) 842-1727.
8,300 kids benefit from Annual Distribution
The 2009 New Clothes New Beginnings Annual Distribution event in July 2009 exceeded all expectations. In total, 8,300 children received new school uniforms, outfits, and school supplies. Over 4,300 kids received items directly at the event, a planned decrease of 20% from 2008 (5,341 students served) due to expected decrease in revenue and contributions resulting from the slowing economy and shrinking charitable dollars. In addition, 3,000 filled backpacks were delivered to 13 schools in Northern Arizona as part of the BHHS Legacy Foundation Backpack Buddies program. Another 1,000 kids received items through our donations to local shelters, family service agencies, and other nonprofit charitable organizations.
More than 96 percent of the children registered for the event actually participated, representing one of the highest participation rates ever. A total of 143 schools from 29 districts participated. Lastly, 2,500 volunteers provided the necessary manpower before, during and after the event to make this spectacular success possible.
SUMMARY
· 4,300 of 4,500 kids registered = 95% Participation
· 3,000 kids served through BHHS Legacy Foundation Backpack Buddies Program
· 1,000 backpacks and supplies distributed to local shelters, other charities
· 143 schools participated from 29 school districts
· 2,500 volunteers from 20 corporations, civic organizations, high schools, and other volunteer organizations
· $350,000 of clothing distributed over five-day event
City | Total # Schools served | Pct | Total Kids at event | Pct of total kids served |
Phoenix | 106 | 75% | 3125 | 72% |
Mesa | 4 | 2% | 150 | 3% |
Glendale | 6 | 4% | 228 | 5% |
Paradise Valley | 2 | 1% | 113 | 3% |
Buckeye | 3 | 2% | 150 | 3% |
Tolleson | 6 | 4% | 158 | 4% |
Laveen | 3 | 2% | 75 | 2% |
Surprise | 6 | 4% | 75 | 2% |
Whittman | 3 | 2% | 75 | 2% |
Chandler | 2 | 2% | 76 | 2% |
Avondale | 3 | 2% | 75 | 2% |
Totals | 143 | 100% | 4300 | 100% |
Backpack Stuffing Day 2009 - Know99