Hammond Middle School Receives New Supplies from United Way, Other Organizations
500 backpacks were given to the school for students. They were filled with notebooks, pencil cases, and color pencils. The children also participated in a STEM event
ALEXANDRIA, VA-When the new school year, comes around, students at Fraces C. Hammond Middle School will have a head start. On Thursday, June 5, the school received supplies thanks to a partnership between United Way National Capital Area, Enterprise Mobility, American Water, and ACPS. Five hundred backpacks were donated, filled with items such as notebooks, pencil cases, and colored pencils.
United Way NCA and Enterprise Mobility have facilitated this event every year since 2017.
“When they know that there is a storeroom full of supplies, where they’re able to go in and choose a nice backpack- the one they like, the color they like- that really makes a difference in the lives of our students,” Hammond Principal Anika Buster-Singleton said.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins and ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt attended the event. Rosie Allen-Herring, President of United Way NCA, spoke about the organization’s continued commitment to community outreach.
“For the young minds that are here at Francis C. Hammond, and for those that are still yet to come, we will be here and we are committed to ensuring that you have all that you need to build thriving communities and thriving young minds,” she said.
Following the donation event, volunteers from United Way, Enterprise Mobility, and American Water joined students in a hands-on STEM event. Around 60 students were invited to engage in various STEM activities such as LED-light creation and 3D printing. Students were selected based on interest and were given the opportunity to engage in STEM outside of the classroom setting.
“The purpose of this event is to expose students to STEM in a very fun way,” said Erica Louison Community Impact Manager for United Way.
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