Atlanta area students started the new school year off right with a recent Back to School Supply Giveaway organized by Communities In Schools® (CIS) of Atlanta, the organization that ensures all students have the wrap-around support they need to stay in school and on a path to graduation. Sponsored by Roark Capital, an Atlanta-based private equity firm focused on investing in multi-location businesses, the giveaway provided backpacks filled with much needed supplies that were distributed to students in grades K-12.

“We must do everything we can to support students given the extraordinary circumstances they face today with the pandemic. Students are facing new, never-before-seen challenges that may limit their ability to get a quality education. Many children may not have reliable Internet access to attend virtual classes, for example,” said Frank Brown, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of CIS of Atlanta. “I am so proud of our team for putting this giveaway together to make a positive impact on our community’s students, and we are grateful to Roark for their generous support.”

The Back to School Supply Giveaway event provided students at Kimberly Elementary School, Bunche Middle School and Therrell High School with supplies including noise cancelling earphones, books, masks, pens and pencils, notebooks and more. Lunch for each family was provided by Jimmy John’s and backpacks included FOCUS Brands gift cards, both brand affiliates of Roark.

“Roark is dedicated to supporting non-profits that position students for success and the opportunities to reach their potential – especially when facing enormous adversity to no fault of their own,” said Allison Hill, Head of Diversity & Social Responsibility at Roark. “Our wonderful collaboration with Communities In Schools Of Atlanta provides the wrap-around services necessary for these kids and also allows our team members to contribute and make a meaningful, direct impact.”

“We’re pleased to help support the Communities In Schools Of Atlanta school supply giveaway, and appreciate the team at Roark for inviting us to participate in this important event,” said Felicia Parks, Franchisee, Jimmy John’s. “Roark is an exceptional partner that brings great value to our business as a whole. On a personal level, I really appreciate the firm’s commitment to serving the community.”