Guest Blogger: Susan M. Blackstock, Assistant Vice President, SunTrust Mortgage, Inc.
Today is the first day of school in metro-Atlanta. Public school students will be exchanging their swim goggles and computer game controllers for book bags and lunch boxes as they head off to school this week. With a little help from friends, many students at McLendon Elementary in DeKalb County will be starting their school year with brand new backpacks, books and school supplies today.
SunTrust, headquartered in Atlanta and one of the nation’s largest banking organizations, recently introduced an internal program, Solid Gives Back, which enables its teammates to have an even greater impact on their communities through their volunteer efforts. As the program rolled out, the senior management team challenged each division to identify their own give-back initiative. SunTrust Mortgage’s Atlanta region accepted the challenge, and Solid Gives Back(packs) was born.
With a goal of helping students at Title I schools have the tools they need to be successful in school, SunTrust Mortgage teammates personally sponsored the purchase of 300 backpacks and over 18,000 various school supplies. Then, SunTrust Mortgage teammates sorted the supplies, stuffed the backpacks and even included a handwritten note of encouragement to each child receiving a backpack.
Many of the personal notes encouraged the children to read. What better way to do that than with their very own books? SunTrust Mortgage turned to their long-time partner First Book and asked them to provide a book for each of the backpacks. First Book was glad to respond to the request, and seven boxes of books later, an assortment of titles were added to the backpacks. What a terrific way for two partners to help each other help others!
Smiles broke out on the children’s faces as they received their backpacks. For many, it was their first time receiving a backpack or book of their very own. Teachers were thrilled for what it means to their classrooms to have students prepared for class, eager to learn, beginning the first day of school. Parents were excited for their children and the opportunities that lie ahead for them. SunTrust Mortgage and First Book are proud to have been a part of this momentous day and wish all students the very best for the new school year.
Students of McLendon Elementary receive new backpacks filled with books and school supplies.