Character Cadre and the Muslim Student Association (MSA) are holding a school supplies drive from Oct 18- Oct 29, to collect supplies to support afghanistan refugees coming to Saint Louis.
President of Character Cadre, junior Rachel McMahon, and president of MSA, junior Rodina Elasbali, are working together to put on this Backpack of love campaign. Both clubs focus on helping out our community, which is why the clubs decided to start this campaign.
“I knew that this is what we’re all about; giving back to our community and helping others as best as we can,” Elasbali said. “I also value education, so I would for sure do anything in my power to help those who wish to pursue their education, and school supplies definitely help you get started.”
The clubs are collecting backpacks and school supplies, like colored pencils, highlighters, folders, pencils, pens, and paper. They are also collecting monetary donations that will be used to buy school supplies. Character Cadre and MSA have designated places where donations can be dropped off.
“Students can drop off items in the bins located in the vestibules of the front entrance and student entrance, or drop off monetary donations to Madame Dale’s room (2328),” McMahon said.
If people would like to donate but don’t have a student at the High school, the clubs will be collecting donations at the home football game this friday, Oct 29. They will have a table located in the plaza near the football stands. They will be collecting donations from 6:30 pm till halftime. McMahon said that they are hoping that people will bring school supplies, but monetary donations are appreciated as well.
Once the campaign ends Character Cadre and MSA plan to have a meeting to pack up the backpacks with the school supplies donated. Then they will be given to afghanistan refugees.
“Since all donations would ideally be collected by the end of October, after we have collected all our donations as a school, they will be collected by the Bilingual Migrate Office and given to the Afghanistan refugees. “ McMahon said.