With COVID-19 changing the reality of day-to-day life for children across America, the Gilbert Kiwanis Club has stepped up to make an impact on kids who may have difficulty adjusting to virtual learning. During these challenging times, many families are struggling to obtain the technology needed for their kids to learn remotely, such as laptops, headphones, and other school supplies. Gilbert Kiwanis Club recognized the increasing need to support these schools with vulnerable student populations and was able to provide over $5,000 in donations to various elementary schools in the Gilbert School District focusing on Title 1 schools.
The Principals at all these schools were extremely appreciative to have the assistance at this time. Chris Birgen, Principal of Islands Elementary expressed his gratitude to the Kiwanis Club saying,
As a Title I targeted school, Islands Elementary provides families with extra assistance in areas such as math and reading, and they also have a licensed social worker on staff to further support students and parents. Mr. Jim Lepper, Principal of Boulder Creek Elementary stated they would be putting part of the donation towards a water station. A water station will allow the students to refill their water bottles - while staying safe.
The Gilbert Kiwanis Club has a longstanding record of supporting schools in the Gilbert School District through various programs and working to help our community thrive. Each year, Kiwanis packs backpacks with school supplies for students who need them and delivers them to elementary schools in the Gilbert School District. They also sponsor Student of the Month programs at various schools as well as Holiday Family Gift cards, which are given to needy families at the Title 1 schools around Christmastime. Their ability to partner with local businesses to provide additional support during these unprecedented times only further highlights their commitment to service and the betterment of our community.
If you are interested in helping improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children in the Gilbert area, join us for one of our meetings to see what we are all about. Our club meets at 6 PM the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the IHOP located at 2100 S. Power Road (just south of Baseline).