School supply drive; you can help

The "Equipped for Academic Success" school supply drive and book bag giveaway is an annual event where the Sankofa Society and One Grove Foundation benefit school aged children through the generous giveaway of school supplies. Allowing each child to proudly attend the first day of school. 

This event presents a humanitarian effort to increase academic success and educational readiness for students, specifically those of low socioeconomic status, from such areas as Coconut Grove's Village West and the surrounding communities. National statistics suggest that 60% of Urban School children do not graduate from High School, while 40% of those who do, read at only a 4th grade level. 

This emphasizes the significance of promoting school readiness as state statistics further indicate that minority students and those of low socioeconomic status succeed academically at a rate lower than their privileged counterparts. Therefore, with school readiness serving as a predictor of a childs academic success/future, it is ever so vital to assist in supplying students with the necessities of academic success. 

The drive will take place from 6-9 pm on Friday, August 16, at Elizabeth Virrick Park (3255 Plaza Street) in Coconut Grove.

You can still donate school supplies and any kind if you like. Additionally, financial/monetary donations will also provide assistance in making this event a success. The ages of the recipients for this school supply drive ranges from 5 to 18. With cash donations, staff will purchase books from businesses that have graciously agreed to offer a discounted price on school supplies purchased for this event. If you decide to contribute financially via check, please indicate within the memo section that your donation is for the “School Supply Drive."

All School Supply Donations may be dropped off to Elizabeth Virrick Park. All donations must be received by Saturday, August 10, 2013. Should you have any questions, please contact Derrick Moore 305-498-4981 or Octavious Veargis 786-241-4953; or email sankofasociety1@gmail.com or onegrovefoundaton@hotmail.com.