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Events Included: Volunteer Packing & Distribution of over 1,000 Backpacks Filled with Supplies.
Be Strong International, an award-winning non-profit organization that serves youth and families in South Florida, coordinated a two-chapter Back to School Strong Initiatives throughout the months of July and August 2023. The purpose of these events was to help as many youths as possible to start the school year strong and well equipped. On one end, Be Strong International coordinated a successful backpack packing event with more than 100 volunteers, who selflessly donated their time to put together more than 1,000 bookbags full of quality school supplies. Thereafter, Be Strong International partnered with several institutions, such as Miami-Dade County Parks and local churches, to distribute these backpacks to youth and families living in high-need areas, such as Goulds, West Perrine and Richmond Heights.
During the packing event, there were several community leaders in attendance including Mayor of Palmetto Bay: Karyn Cunningham, Vice Mayor of Palmetto Bay: Leanne Tellam, Miami-Dade Public School Board Member: Luisa Santos and many others. This once-in-a-year event was arranged to directly benefit youth and families who might not have the financial liberty to buy new school supplies for the upcoming school year. The energy in the room was inspiring as everyone gathered for a great cause, selflessly dedicating their time to help kids and teenagers start the new school year strong.
“As a local organization, it was important for us to join forces with other local community leaders and work together to provide all the tools and resources necessary to see the children from underserved communities thrive”, said Michelle Shirley, CEO & Chief Heart Officer of Be Strong International. “As prices continue to rise and resources become less available, families in neglected communities are having to purchase bookbags and numerous school supplies for their children amid uncertain times. It is our job as community champions to step up and provide these resources to those who need it most,” concluded Shirley.
One of the beneficiaries of these free backpack distribution shared her thoughts: “As a single mom of four, it is so incredible to see local organizations doing things like this for us”, she said. “It is really such a big help as I’m struggling to make ends meet and school supplies are not cheap, especially with four kids. We are so happy that they all got new backpacks and school supplies so they can start school feeling ready with all the materials they need”.
Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors and the compassionate spirit of the volunteers, these events were a celebration of giving, while seeing first-hand the tremendous impact that is being made in the lives of youth and families all throughout local communities in need. The Back-to-School Strong 2023 events were made possible
with the amazing support of our main sponsors T-Mobile, Mosquito Joe, The Children’s Trust, and the Peacock Foundation.
For more information and updates, follow Be Strong International on social media @bestrongintl or through their website https://bestrongintl.org
For inquiries about the Back-to-School Strong Event 2023 or to arrange an interview, contact Monika Sanchez at monika@bestrongintl.org or Nathalia Tasama at nathalia@bestrongintl.org
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About Be Strong International
Be Strong International is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides holistic educational services and resources to families in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, bringing them from brokenness to wholeness by helping them develop healthy relationships and positive life skills. Founded in 1992 by Mrs. Althea McMillan, a retired Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher, it is now led by Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer. Be Strong International’s Heart Skills programs teach families how to make better decisions about relationships, money, work, and family life. In addition, Be Strong International partners with other institutions to offer events that will directly help the communities it serves, such as food drives and back-to-school supply drives. Known for its transformational workplace culture, Be Strong International has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work by the South Florida Business Journal.
