As the new school year draws near, the average cost of back-to-school supplies can surpass $100 per student – an amount some families cannot afford.

To help address this need in the community, the women of The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. recently hosted a drive to collect book bags filled with school supplies to donate to Whitefoord, Inc., a community resource that connects diverse children and families to quality healthcare and education services. On July 14, nearly 70 children received brand new book bags filled with supplies from JLA representatives.

“Whitefoord is thrilled to receive book bags filled with essential school supplies for our summer camp students in need,” said Yvette Hagins, CEO & executive director of Whitefoord, Inc. “Many of the children we serve come from families who live 100 percent or more below federal poverty rates. The Junior League of Atlanta’s generous donation provides students with school supplies to start the new academic year off, and this will help alleviate the burden on parents who simply cannot afford to purchase these items all at one time.” 

“We are deeply honored by the outpouring of donations from the JLA to support Whitefoord’s mission and the very deserving children we are proud to serve through our summer camp programs,” she added.

The back-to-school drive benefiting Whitefoord, Inc. is an example of one of the many programs and services the JLA provides to the community.  JLA’s  participation in the community drive demonstrates the League’s commitment to addressing the issues of early childhood education and generational poverty in the metro Atlanta area.

“I am so pleased with our partnership with Whitefoord Inc. to provide back-to-school supplies to children in Atlanta who have a legitimate need,” said President of The Junior League of Atlanta, Rebekah Henry Murphy. “Many League women rose to the challenge of donating to Whitefoord to help families and children in the Southeast Atlanta community. As a result,  families will have less to worry about when they send their children back to school in a few weeks.”