Hindu Charities for America (HC4A), in partnership with Shalom Austin, hosted the 11th annual school-supply packing event on August 6, 2023, at the Dell Jewish Community Center. More than 200 volunteers from diverse backgrounds came together as a community to help pack school supplies and backpacks for students as they start a new school year. The backpacks are filled with essential school supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, and calculators.
The supplies are distributed to students by local schools districts and community organizations. Thanks to generous donations and a grant from Adobe Foundation and generous donors, HC4A was able to provide backpacks for more than 1400 students from Austin and Manor ISDs. Additionally, they also provided supplies for students supported by the Share the Will, African American Youth Harvest Foundation, Greater Love Baptist Church, Del Valle High School, and Asian American Families. These organizations truly represent the diversity of the community and HC4A’s mission to serve a broad spectrum of organizations in areas where we live.
Mayra Hernendez, Director of Manor ISD’s Whole Child, Community Partnership, and Community Engagement Program said, “Manor ISD values our partnership with HC4A as they are a phenomenal organization removing barriers for student success. Lack of school supplies should not be a barrier, and our partnership allows for us to connect scholars with the tools needed to succeed in school.”
GM, a Kindergarten student who received a backpack said, “Gracias por mis nuevos útiles de escuela. Me encantan. Me van ayudar a aprender.” “Thank you for my new school supplies. I love them. They will help me in school.” GM’s father expressed his gratitude by stating “Thank you EC4A for helping our family. It warms my heart to see my son so happy and excited for school. It’s organizations like yours that make the world a better place. Thank you!”
HC4A, also doing business as EC4A/Education & Careers for America, is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and financial assistance to families in economically disadvantaged situations. HC4A’s activities are generally based on the 2Gen approach modeled by the Aspen Institute. It supports children’s education services and supports parents through scholarships for workforce training for jobs that pay well and offer opportunities for advancement. Strong connections and coordination between the services for parents and children make it easier for families to participate and succeed. This program supports the United Nations’ mission to drive equity in our communities through education and also debunks an unfounded myth that children in a developed nation like ours do not need community support for school supplies. HC4A offers a seva (service) based vehicle to channel your generosity to those who need it the most. Visit ec4a.org for more information or email [email protected].
