Here at Jesuit, a quality education is a luxury we all experience on a daily basis, an education that helps us prepare for college and the future ahead. However, this opportunity is not readily available to all, even to many in our local Dallas area. In response to this, the annual Vos Parate Day on Aug. 20, marked the start of the Literacy Supply Drive, which benefitted local Dallas ISD elementary schools.
The drive collected supplies that would benefit literacy and reading throughout the Dallas elementary schools, including Nathan Adams Elementary, David G. Burnet Elementary, Julian T. Saldivar Elementary, Obadiah Knight Elementary, Jerry R. Junkins Elementary, and K.B. Polk Center for Academically Talented and Gifted. While this year has been Jesuit’s first experience with the Literacy Supply drive, the donations totaled to over 2,200 items, equaling almost $7,000 towards bettering education.
The items collected by the drive were divided between the class levels, each class responsible for bringing a multitude of supplies. All were invited to participate, including faculty, students, and their families. Specifically, our donations were aimed at children up to the third grade. In addition to donating locally, Jesuit also provided links online to purchase specific items.
When Jesuit student, Joshua Cobler ’16 was asked about his thoughts on the drive he added, “I think it’s really great that Jesuit held the Commit Drive since literacy and education are important for everyone. I’m glad Jesuit gave back to the community by doing something so important.”
This drive started last fall when Jesuit College Preparatory partnered with Commit to Dallas, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the Dallas public education. Last year, the Jesuit senior class providing almost 1,000 hours of tutoring through Commit to Dallas for elementary students in the area.
Michael Lanham’15, working with the Literacy Supply drive two weeks ago, added, “At Jesuit we are blessed with excellent teachers and ample tools to get the best education possible. The Commit Drive seeks to provide a better education for those not fortunate enough to go to a school like ours.” According to Mr. Michael Riemer, who played a vital role in the workings of the drive, the success of the drive would not have happened without the “support of Mr. [Tom] Garrison and Mr. [Rich] Perry”, along with the many “seniors volunteering through the Commit program.” Mr. Riemer also explained the Literacy Supply Drive’s importance, saying, “if a child is able to read by the third grade, they are four times more likely to go to college and subsequently graduate from college. We also know that individuals who move on to and graduate from college are much more equipped to meet the challenges ahead of them.”
When asked about his overall experience with the drive, Mr.Riemer added that he has been “overwhelmed with the response and generosity of our community” and that he is “hopeful to have many more successful years ahead.”
