|
On August 7, members of Michigan Gateway Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) joined with community partners to make sure Buchanan students started the school year prepared and supported. The “Backpacks for Bucks” giveaway at the Buchanan Common brought together the Buchanan District Library, Redbud Area Ministries, Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, the Buchanan Area Ministerial Association, and Buchanan Community Schools. The event provided local students with backpacks filled with school supplies, ensuring families had one less thing to worry about as the new school year begins. This year, YAC also awarded the Buchanan District Library a $2,300 grant to help fund the program. Wendy Chapman of the Buchanan District Library explained how the need for this event first came to light.
“A couple of years ago, the library had found out about a need for backpacks and supplies that was not being met by other programs in the county,” Chapman said. “Together with the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, we approached the Youth Advisory Council and asked for a grant to kick off a program. To see the smiles on these little kids’ faces when they go home with a brand new backpack and feel confident walking into their school classroom is really what it’s all about.” Among the volunteers were YAC members Leela and Hazel, who both see giving back as an essential part of community life. “I live in this community and I think you should try to make your community a great place to be,” Leela shared. “It will benefit everyone around you and yourself.” Hazel agreed, adding, “I think it’s important because you are part of the community that it’s helping, and your community will also help you. It’s good to help people.” The Youth Advisory Council, made up of students from across the area, is dedicated to improving life in their communities through service and grantmaking. For Leela, being part of YAC has opened doors and broadened her perspective. “You get introduced a lot of new opportunities and get to help a lot of people—do a lot of things you never would’ve thought you could do,” she said. Hazel noted that the strength of YAC comes from the number of students who participate: “If there’s more people, it makes the volunteering easier to do.” Events like “Backpacks for Bucks” highlight the power of collaboration between local organizations and youth leaders. With the energy and commitment of YAC members—and the generous support of grants like this one—the community continues to grow stronger, one backpack, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time. If you know someone interested in becoming a YAC member, contact YAC Program Officer Jennifer Popielski: jpopielski@mgcf.org Visit https://www.mgcf.org/yac for more info on the Youth Advisory Council program.
|
