Women's Giving Circle to Provide School Uniforms for Needy Students
The BWGC’s 300 plus members seek to become better-informed grant makers through education programs. For this year’s topic, the Baltimore City public schools, members heard from CEO Andres Alonso and his top deputies, visited schools and talked with administrators, principals, teachers, parents, and students.
“During our year-long look at the city’s public schools,” said BWGC co-chair Beth Lebow, “we learned that a major reason kids give for not going to school is not having the right clothing. Each year at least 100 families are on the waiting list for financial assistance to purchase uniforms. So we believe this gift will have an immediate impact: at least 60 more students will be ready to attend school this fall.”
“The gift was made possible by a very generous BWGC member who wishes to remain anonymous,” said BWGC co-chair Pat Joseph. “And it is in addition to the BWGC’s annual grants of more than $300,000 to organizations working to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged women and their children in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Our 2009 grants will be awarded in early June.”
“We want all our kids to be ready to come back to school and learn. We are very grateful that this gift will help make sure our eager children are ready to come to school with the proper uniform regardless of their economic circumstances," said Michael Sarbanes, City Schools' Director of Partnerships.