Salvation Army to help at least three schools with badly needed education materials
WISN-TV and the Salvation Army successfully raised more than $50,000 during its phone bank drive last week to buy school supplies for Milwaukee Public School (MPS) students who can’t afford these basic necessities.
As contributions continue to come in, initial pledges from the “Class Act” phone banks on Aug. 12 and 13 make it possible for at least three MPS schools to get needed supplies.
The three schools that have been selected to receive the supplies are Hi Mount Community School, Auer Avenue School, and Lancaster School.
“This project was heartwarming and inspiring. The incredible generosity of WISN 12 viewers exceeded our expectations,” says Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN-TV. “Donations came in from every corner of our viewing area, proving that our community truly cares about local students. The gratitude and sheer joy from the educators involved in this project was overwhelming. WISN 12 viewers and the Salvation Army clearly helped fill a very important need, and we look forward to doing this again next year.”
The Salvation Army initially set a goal of raising $25,000. In addition to appeals made by WISN 12 news personalities, interviews with Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler and former Green Bay Packer Line Backer George Koonce helped energize viewers who gave generously throughout the two-day phone drive.
“We are grateful to the viewers of WISN 12 and the entire WISN 12 family for helping make our Back to School Collection Drive so successful. This generosity will help hundreds of Milwaukee Public School children begin the school year with confidence and have the supplies they need to do well in school,” says Major Roger Ross, Salvation Army Milwaukee County Commander.
MPS Principals from the selected schools have also been overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.
“I truly appreciate the generosity of the Salvation Army, the Channel 12 viewers and our entire Milwaukee community for supporting the students of Hi-Mount Community School,” says Toni Dinkins.
“The gift of a book bag stuffed with school supplies will definitely allow our students to return to school prepared with tools for success. With over 95 percent our student population qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, these donations will ensure that our students have the supplies they need to learn, grow, and achieve.
More importantly, this tremendous act of kindness will also ensure that our students feel loved and supported by many.”
Phyllis Smith, principal at Lancaster School, adds, “Thank you! We really appreciate the viewers’ generosity, which made it possible to support even more students than originally planned. Lancaster students will be off to a great start because they will have the supplies they need. It’s a great investment in our future!”
“We are so appreciative of the Salvation Army, WISN 12 and the generosity of all of those who gave,” says Felice Beal, principal at Auer Avenue School. “This will be a tremendous support for our families and our school as a whole so students can focus on what¹s important –learning — and not focus on what they don¹t have. Auer Avenue thanks you tremendously!”
The Salvation has set up a page for volunteers to sign up and help sort school supplies and stuff book bags at www.SAmilwaukee.org. The school supply distribution date is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20.
Individuals who were unable to give during the phone banks can still help MPS schools. The Salvation Army Back to School Donation Drive continues at various Salvation Army drop zones through Friday Aug. 30.
