At International Child Advancement (ICA), we believe in the transformative power of education and its ability to break the cycle of poverty. Our annual Back-to-School Drive has become a cornerstone of this mission, aligning directly with our goals of Bridging the Education Gap and Empowering Youth Through Knowledge.
Each year, thanks to the incredible support of our community, we provide underserved youth with backpacks, school supplies, and life skills learning opportunities. These efforts not only prepare children for academic success but also equip them with tools for lifelong empowerment.
2024: Supporting New Arrival Children with School Essentials
This year, we had the privilege of partnering with two incredible organizations—Christ Is the Answer and Journey’s End Refugee Services.
Journey’s End Refugee Services (left): We delivered 21 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to support newly arrived refugee children. Special thanks to M&T Bank’s Immigrant & Refugee Employee Resource Group and Citi’s Buffalo Black Heritage Network for their generous contributions.
Christ Is the Answer (right): Twenty children and their families were thrilled to receive backpacks and supplies provided by West Herr Cares and books and personal care items donated by The Teacher’s Desk. The gratitude on their faces reminded us of the importance of community-driven change.
2022: Ready, Set, School! Surpassing Goals, Changing Lives
Our Ready, Set, School! Back-to-School Drive exceeded expectations, supporting over 300 children in Buffalo, NY, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Highlights included:
Financial literacy and career skills sessions for high school students at Christ Is the Answer Friend Church, facilitated by M&T Bank’s Kay Tuholski and ICA’s James Jackson.
Distribution events that benefited local groups such as the Beat Elite Ducks football team, Faith Keepers School, Christ is the Answer Church, El Shaddai Ministry families, and children at GUAOA Orphanage in the DRC.
2021: Empowering Students with Education and Financial Literacy
This year, we distributed over 200 backpacks to students at International Preparatory School at Grover Cleveland and Christ Is the Answer International Church. A highlight was a financial education session led by M&T Bank’s Multicultural Banking Team, teaching students the basics of budgeting and banking.
We greatly appreciate our partners Wexler Marketing Co., Inc., International Preparatory School at Grover Cleveland, Christ is the Answer International Fellowship Church, Salon de Coquette and all M&T Bank volunteers and International Child Advancement volunteers!
2020: Giving a Hand Up During the Pandemic
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our amazing supporters enabled us to provide food and school supplies to 140 pre-registered children and their families. Beneficiaries included Christ is the Answer International Church and The Compass House, a nonprofit benefiting homeless teens.
Many thanks to our event sponsors and partners: Christ is the Answer International Fellowship Church, Wexler Marketing Co., Inc., The Home Depot, Sasmita Batik Indonesia, The W Spa, The Daily Planet Coffee, all M&T Bank volunteers and International Child Advancement volunteers!
2019: Our Inaugural Back-to-School Drive
In 2019, we launched our inaugural Back-to-School Drive to support incoming refugee families from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Buffalo community rallied behind this effort, generously donating backpacks, school supplies, and food to help children start the school year prepared.
Local agencies also partnered with us to host informational sessions for parents, introducing them to critical services and resources. This incredible collaboration laid the foundation for what has become an annual tradition of empowering underserved youth and their families through education and community support.
Thank you, event sponsors and supporters! Christ is the Answer International Fellowship Church, Dick Wexler of Wexler Marketing Co., Inc., Pipeworx By Minx Plumbing Co., Haircuts For Those In Need, Salon de Coquette, Sir Aimézing of The Shift & Crew, Choco-Logo Confectionery Design, Sasmita Batik Indonesia, UnitedHealthcare, Buffalo Police Department, International Institute of Buffalo, Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network, Northland Workforce Training Center, M&T Bank volunteers, Citi US volunteers, and ICA volunteers.
Why Our Back-to-School Drives Matter
Providing school supplies to underserved youth has profound economic and educational benefits. It relieves financial stress on families, ensuring children start the school year equipped to succeed. Beyond the materials, programs like ours emphasize life skills and career education, setting a foundation for a brighter future.
By aligning these initiatives with our goals of Bridging the Education Gap and Empowering Youth Through Knowledge, we are investing in the next generation, fostering resilience, and creating ripple effects of positive change in our communities. Thank you to all our partners, donors, and volunteers for making these successes possible.
Together, we are building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us next year as we continue this impactful journey! Your support can make all the difference. Email us today if you would like to be an event sponsor or partner: info@childadvancement.org.
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