On Thursday, September 7, 2023, the International WeLoveU Foundation greeted the students at Washington Elementary School in Union City, New Jersey, with backpacks and school supplies. It was the first day of school for the kindergarten students. The new scholars were warmly welcomed into the school gymnasium with bright smiles and cheers from the WeLoveU volunteers. The event was held as part of WeLoveU’s “Closing the Homework Gap: Packs on Backs & Tools for Schools” program. This effort is helping bridge the educational gap for over 3,000 students in 2023 by providing the students with the necessary tools to succeed. The kindergarten class of Washington Elementary School received new backpacks and much-needed school supplies, such as crayons, pencils, erasers, markers, glue, and more.   

Members of the Union City Board of Education in attendance were Superintendent Silvia Abbato, Board President Ydalia M Genao, Board Trustee Alejandro Velazquez, and Director of Community Relations Mercedes Joaquin. Union City Commissioner Wendy A. Grullon, on behalf of Senator Brian P. Stack, presented a Senate Resolution to the International WeLoveU Foundation. After words of encouragement from the guest speakers, the WeLoveU volunteers distributed the backpacks to the students. The kindergartners’ joy and happiness were evident through the big smiles on their faces. Principal Angel Rivera expressed deep gratitude to the WeLoveU Foundation for making the kindergarteners’ first day of school so special. 

A Brighter Future for Students

Superintendent Silvia Abbato conveyed her appreciation for choosing Washington Elementary School for the Packs on Backs donations. She encouraged the students by saying, “So, boys and girls, you are very, very lucky. And you are going to get some beautiful backpacks, and guess what? Those backpacks are magical. Because they’re going to help you learn. You’re going to have all the tools that you need, that your mommy and daddy don’t have to buy.” 

Concluding the event, WeLoveU was presented with a Senate Resolution for their volunteer service efforts from the office of New Jersey Senator Brian P. Stack. The Packs on Backs program received many recognitions for supporting our youth in 2023.

Superintendent Abbato later expressed about the donation’s meaning and impact. “It will impact them tremendously because now families no longer have to worry about buying a backpack. It also will send the message to give back. I think what the organization is doing to give back to the communities is needed more in the world today. People working together, people giving back. And hopefully, the students here today [will] one day be here as volunteers for the foundation.”

WeLoveU hopes to raise awareness and provide solutions to the challenges people face nationally regarding back-to-school spending. In doing so, the Packs on Backs program aims to close the income and achievement gap. As a global family, WeLoveU will continue serving the community with a mother’s love and inspire others to do the same.