Story by Debra Higgins, Altrusa International Stillwater, OK. INC.
Altrusa is an International Service Organization. We strive to connect with the communities, in which we live, to enhance the quality of life through service. Altrusa International of Stillwater, Oklahoma Inc. was chartered in 1955 and has been an active force within the Stillwater Community. This year, our Club looked for a project that would enhance quality of life, create an opportunity for the youth within Payne County, and an opportunity for our Community to assist.
Altrusa has implemented a community project, “Backpack Buddies.” The goal is to provide 1,000 backpacks, filled with school supplies, to the youth within Payne County, OK. This is the first year for the event, and our goal is quite large. We are determined, motivated, and passionate about this project. Altrusa’s hope is to spark an excitement spreading throughout our community, to raise the funds needed toward making a difference in the lives of Our Leaders of Tomorrow.
The event will be held July 21st, between 9-11:30 am, at Our Daily Bread. The event is open to all school-aged students, Kindergarten-12th grades. The first 1,000 youth in line will be given a backpack filled with items like: pencils, pens, notebook paper, notebooks, erasers, markers, colored pencils, rulers, glue, glue sticks, and crayons.
We have some amazing sponsors. As of May 15th we have had three Gold Star $1,000 + sponsors: OSU Museum of Art/Art Advocates, Altrusa International Foundation, and Central Foundation. We are excited that OSU Museum of Art/Art Advocates have sponsored the Crayola Crayons for our backpacks. $100+ sponsors include: BancFirst, Steve Norman-Edward Jones, Anne Matoy, Patie Fielding, Jason Metzger Photography, Dr. John Williams, Kevin and Beverly Collin, Beverly Gumm, and Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bell. We also have received several $25-Backpack Buddy sponsorships. The Backpack Buddy sponsorship is for individuals and small businesses who can’t meet one of our sponsorship levels, but still want to be a part by giving to our project.
Want to make a difference in the lives of our Payne County Youth? Become a $25- Backpack Buddy. Your donation will provide one backpack filled with school supplies. No donation is too small. We would like to have all donations collected by mid-July but we will take donations until July 21st. Donations in the form of a check should be made out to Altrusa International Stillwater, INC. and mailed to PO Box 551, Stillwater, OK. 74076.
If you know someone who would benefit from this event, spread the word. July 21, 2018, 9-11:30 a.m. at our Daily Bread. Altrusans are excited for the day and “Supplying our Leaders of Tomorrow.”
