Baldwin Center Collecting School Supplies for Needy Students

Latonio Marbury was ready for school last fall because of community support. A seventh-grader at Pontiac Academy for Excellence, Latonio and his three siblings were excited and energized to go back to school after they attended the Baldwin Center’s Back to School Bash.“Me and my brother and sisters all come to Baldwin, and it’s a great place to learn have fun. I don’t think we would have had backpacks last year if we didn’t get them from Baldwin.”

The Baldwin Center, a Pontiac agency dedicated to helping the poor in its community, is once again turning to the community for help on behalf of Pontiac’s kids. “Coming to school with all the necessary supplies helps a child start the school year right. We want to make sure every child arrives at school ready to learn, and we also want to stress to these kids how important getting an education is to their future success,” said Baldwin’s executive director Lisa Machesky.

School supplies being collected at the Baldwin Center include backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, rulers, and many other common items. On August 30, area families will come to Baldwin’s Back to School Bash, where each child will receive a backpack stuffed with school supplies. For this to happen, however, Baldwin needs the community’s help. “Our summer program keeps our neighborhood kids excited about learning. Giving out backpacks with school supplies builds on that momentum.”

Donations of school supplies can be dropped off at Baldwin Center, 212 Baldwin Ave., Pontiac, MI 48342. If you or your group desire more information or have questions, contact Alex Plum, Community Affairs Coordinator, at 248-332-6101 or aplum@baldwincenter.org.