Long before Stacie Gooch was a board member, she was a parent. In her daughter’s classroom there were students who came unprepared for the first day of school. This is an embarrassing moment for a student and their parents. However, sometimes there just isn’t enough money for the supplies they need. Stacie decided that this shouldn’t happen in a Wylie ISD classroom and started her back to school drive.
“We started out with 19 cardboard boxes in 2006 and look at us NOW! As the idea started taking root, people started asking me what the kids needed and how they could help. My heart swells with love as I see these beautiful students come in with smiles and excitement on their faces. I love that our community cares enough to help them begin the first day of school with the supplies, clothes and haircuts they need to be successful. There is no better place to be than Wylie ISD!”
Her dream now provides over 1,000 students with school supplies, backpacks, clothes and hair-cuts to start the new school year. Everything is donated by local folks, it’s just absolutely awesome! Stacie’s crew now involves her right hand volunteer, Candy Arrington, the Wylie Education Foundation, local businesses, local organizations and churches who donate thousands of dollars in cash and supplies for our kids in need.
I love that our school district doesn’t have to go farther than the communities we serve to get the help we need for our kids. I love that our kids get to see the direct impact of giving. If you are in need, or you know of a family in need, please attend the back to school fair on August 13 at Draper Intermediate from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
If you would like to donate money or supplies to the back to school drive, please refer to the list on this poster and bring them to the Wylie ISD Education Service Center at 951 South Ballard Avenue in Wylie on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you have the chance to pick up an extra box of crayons or pencils during your school supply shopping, this is a great chance to let your kids experience the value of giving.
If you have a question, please email Joley Martin at joley.martin@wylieisd.net.
Thanks for all you do to make Wylie ISD the greatest school district on the planet!!! You ARE the WYLIE WAY!
