Bernice Billups finds joy in distributing free school supplies. During an event, a young girl showed her appreciation by shaking Billups’ hand and smiling warmly. Billups remarked, “This handshake and hug, you can’t pay for that.”
At the Boeing Liftoff for Learning event, held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Tolleston Opportunity Campus in Gary, Indiana, Aspire Academy second-grader Ar’Nia, 7, drew a picture beside her new backpack. The giveaway, part of Boeing’s community initiative, equips students for the school year.
Billups, who has worked with Boeing for 25 years, spoke of her enjoyment in visiting the Boys & Girls Club in Gary annually. “Liftoff for Learning is an annual school supply drive,” she explained. Boeing employees donate funds, matched by the company, which are used to buy school essentials. This year, supplies like notebooks, pencils, crayons, and backpacks were gathered for 750 children in Gary and Chicago.
Boeing has supported this initiative for over 40 years, ensuring students in their communities have the necessary tools for learning. Billups highlighted the impact of their efforts post-derecho, which had severely affected Gary.
The Tolleston Opportunity Campus in Gary encompasses the Gary YMCA and a Methodist Hospitals clinic. Billups praised the Boys & Girls Club’s environment. “You don’t see this every day,” she stated, acknowledging the city of Gary and other contributors.
The campus features a Boeing STEM lab, enhancing educational opportunities. Billups addressed teens at the supply giveaway. Sharaya, 13, expressed gratitude, having lost a previous book bag. Lamiah, 13, appreciated receiving supplies she needed.
Both girls have clear career goals. Lamiah aspires to be a hairstylist and nail technician. Sharaya dreams of opening a child care center and attending a university with an Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter. The club experience aids her self-confidence.
J’Priest, 7, was happy to get supplies, especially enjoying recess at school. Sara Velasques, a Boeing employee from Schererville, noted the helpfulness of the initiative post-derecho.
Mike Jessen, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, emphasized the positive impact of community involvement. Doug Ross served as a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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