20 December 2023 By Sierra Trinidad with Videos and Photos By David Logan
Over $150,000 worth of donations distributed to over 125 veterans, children, and their families. The LEARN Foundation inc. partnered with the KSU Trio Programs to host their annual Holiday Giving event to make this happen. These donations included food, toys, clothing, household items, and hygiene products. At this event there was something for everyone. Guests were given bags and invited to choose what they wanted from the donated items. While the parents “shopped,” there were holiday crafts and a hot chocolate bar for the children. With over 35 donors this holiday giving was “by far the biggest to date with overall turnout, donations, activities offered, and community partnerships” states Christine Smith, the event coordinator. Next year there are plans for this event to be at a bigger location for everything to be under one roof. Christine goes on to say, “having been a part of Holiday Giving since 2017 it has been so inspiring watching the event grow as much as it has.” This event brought together not only the community but past members of the KSU Trio Programs and members of the Veterans Upward Bound Trio Program. Alumni volunteered and connected with current KSU Trio Upward Bound students and families. “They really love getting the opportunity to get to see and connect with other programs as well as reconnect with alumni and all program members absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed the event from beginning to end,” said Christine. Donations of items such as food, clothes, hygiene products, and household goods are collected throughout the year. In 2024, there will be many more opportunities for organization partnerships and plans to bring the community together. The LEARN Foundation’s Veterans Upward Bound program will be partnering with the KSU Trio programs and other organizations to host a resource carnival in April 2024. If you are interested in supporting the LEARN foundation, please visit learfoundationinc.org or call 404-789-0772.
Comments