Supporting Back-to-School Success
FAIRWINDS crewmembers supported students by volunteering at events like A Gift for Teaching’s backpack build, career pathway tours, and local back-to-school initiatives, providing essential supplies and opportunities for success.
For many, back-to-school season can be an exciting time. New grades to enter, new teachers, old and new friends, and new milestones to achieve.
For others, back-to-school season can be stressful and uncertain. According to Central Florida-based A Gift For Teaching, students at more than 70% of public schools in Orange and Osceola counties lack access to basic school supplies. Many teachers will spend more than $500 of their own money to purchase supplies students need.
FAIRWINDS is committed to living generously and serving as a catalyst for change in the communities in which we live and work. By working with the community, we can make an extraordinary difference in transforming the lives of others—especially our students.
With back-to-school season in full swing, FAIRWINDS crewmembers stepped up to make a difference. Throughout the summer, crewmembers volunteered their time partnering with local nonprofits who are propelling students forward on their educational journeys. Here are some of the ways we are championing student success and providing the support they need:
FAIRWINDS joined forces with more than 400 volunteers at A Gift for Teaching’s annual Great Big Backpack Build, assembling 21,000 backpacks to support students in need for the upcoming school year. Backpacks were distributed to over 140 high-need public schools in Orange and Osceola Counties. Events like these ensure students who would otherwise arrive on the first day of school empty-handed will now be equipped with essential supplies.
We engaged students in exploring career pathways in financial services. Our crewmembers hosted Center for Independent Living (CIL), for an informative, behind-the-scenes branch tour aimed at teaching students about banking and finance as they explore future careers. Students learned about the roles and responsibilities of crewmembers—from a Member Services Representative to branch manager—as well as our branch’s day-to-day operations. This initiative aligned with CIL's mission to remove economic barriers for individuals living with disabilities.
We teamed up with public safety agencies to jumpstart the school year for students across Seminole County in Florida. Crewmembers united with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for its annual "Shop with the Sheriff" event, helping students gear up for the upcoming school year with brand new clothes and shoes. We also combined efforts with Seminole County Fire Department and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida for their highly anticipated Back-to-School Bash event, which gathered students for a day of fun, free haircuts, fire safety demonstrations, and school supply giveaways.
FAIRWINDS has long supported students and teachers in the communities we serve. “As our future leaders, innovators, and changemakers, today’s students will be the driving force behind our long-term economic growth and success. Investing in their education and development today paves the way for a prosperous tomorrow,” says Elisha González, FAIRWINDS Vice President of Community Relations & Government Affairs and Executive Director for the FAIRWINDS Foundation. “Building community collaborations is vital in helping students succeed on their academic journeys. By providing essential support, resources, and encouragement, every student has the opportunity to thrive.”