On Monday, August 14, 2023, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation donated 650 backpacks and school supplies to the R.C. Haydon Elementary School students in Manassas, VA. Ten volunteers from Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia delivered the supplies during back-to-school night.
The WeLoveU Foundation partnered with Booz Allen and The Architectural Team to help make the donation possible. Suzanne Seaberg, Manassas City Board of Education chair, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman, and the PTA attended the event. School faculty also participated with their children.
R.C. Haydon Elementary teaches pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, and it’s one of five major elementary schools in Manassas. Coincidentally, it’s also the elementary school that two WeLoveU volunteers attended. They were excited to return to their childhood school for the Packs on Backs event. The event’s program included introducing WeLoveU’s volunteerism and guest speakers.
Among them was Dr. Laura Goldzung, principal of R.C. Haydon Elementary School. She said, “From the minute the volunteers of the WeLoveU Foundation entered Haydon Elementary School, I felt their excitement for helping the students of our community.” She continued, “Thank you to the volunteers for being a part of the work in the schools on the ground. Our kids see your excitement and how much you care about providing quality education. We couldn’t do that without the leadership of the [WeLoveU] Chairwoman and the work of volunteers.”
From the WeLoveU Foundation, Vice President of Community Engagement John Casas spoke. “The 2023-2024 school year is our second year running Packs on Backs & Tools for Schools donation ceremonies. At these events, you can feel the excitement bubbling inside each student as they receive their new items.” He continued, “Nothing feels better than knowing we brought joy for learning. The WeLoveU Foundation is grateful to the volunteers, donors, and supporters who make this program possible.”
In 2023, WeLoveU will donate backpacks to schools in California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
