Claryssa Wilson pictured with Anthony of the Golden State Warriors
One one hand, the event was happy because Claryssa Wilson, a sophomore at Antioch High School, has seen a need in the community and for several years has provided a solution via way of her Stuff the Bus giveaway event to provide school supplies for local students.
This was her third year hosting this type of event with the partnership of the law firm of Ivancich, Martin & Costis, LLP who provided the space along with financial contributions–in fact, due to the demand on Saturday, the law firm went to the store during the event to contribute even more funds so more students could select items after waiting in a long line. It was a noble gesture on their part.
On the other had, what is sad is that so many of our youths are in need of simple school supplies—they counted 3,000 people in line. The event was so huge that around 500 students were unable to receive supplies on Saturday and a list was created so those students may get supplies at a later date.According to the most recent Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), the Antioch Unified School District currently has 441 students who are homeless. 12,149 AUSD students (70%) receive free or reduced lunch, 85% free and 15% reduced. Meanwhile, Family poverty has increased from 6.5% (2000) to 11.8% (2010).
As a community, we can begin to address these problem if we become more engaged with our schools and invest in our students because no student should ever have to worry about not having a pencil, paper, binder, backpack or other item. Let alone some students worried about shelter and their next meal.
Ms. Wilson has proven through dedication towards making her community better and hard work, she has a model that works. It should be embraced, not hijacked for any other personal gain other than making the lives of students easier.
With future events scheduled, if you can assist financially as an individual, business or organization, please consider doing so. If you cannot provide financial assistance, I highly encourage you volunteering your time during the event–I promise you its a worthwhile cause.
To Claryssa Wilson and everyone who volunteer or donated to this cause, thank you does not begin to describe my appreciation I have towards your efforts.
It was an incredible job well done.
Michael Burkholder
Founder & Publisher
Donate:
If you have supplies you wish to donate, you may drop them off at Antioch Location: 3440 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite 175 Antioch, CA 94531.
