Return to Headlines

300 Shirley ES Scholars Gifted Backpacks by Junior League of Jackson

Backpack giveaway

August 12, 2024 - Junior League of Jackson (JLJ) “Backpack Buddies” filled backpacks with school supplies for all 308 scholars at Shirley Elementary School. The generous donation, Friday, August 9, 2024, provided scholars with resources to fully engage in classroom instruction.

The scholars sat quietly in the school's auditorium as JLJ loaded the backpacks inside. Afterward, they greeted volunteers with big smiles and cheers, singing, "thank you," in unison after Shirley Elementary School Principal, Dr. Kimberly Hulitt-Griggs, asked scholars, "Now, what do we say when someone gives us a gift?"

JPS Partners in Education Director, Thea Faulkner, works closely with the Junior League of Jackson and said the investment of academic resources for so many scholars is nothing short of amazing.

"It's an incredible example of community engagement in support of our children," said Faulkner. "As they observe all around them, I trust that they will remember this investment, and pay it forward once they are adults in the Jackson community."
 
Jelesia Stokes, Junior League of Jackson member and chairperson for this year’s Backpack Buddies, said this type of support is a cornerstone of Junior League of Jackson.

"Our goal is to support Pre-K-5th grade children and their caregivers in the Jackson area to increase student success," said Stokes. "It is our pleasure to ensure all scholars at Shirley Elementary have their basic needs met to help ensure a successful school year.  We hope to continue this partnership for many years to come,“ says Jelesia Stokes, Junior League of Jackson member and chairperson for this year’s Backpack Buddies. 
 
The Junior League of Jackson is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

The League supports over 30 community projects and initiatives throughout the Jackson Metro area, including multiple projects with Jackson Public Schools.

More coverage: