Back to School
Within the first month of becoming established we initiated and held the first of our Back to School Events. Initial contributions came from family and friends and we helped just over 50 children. This has since become an annual event which now services hundreds of families and students who come together on a fun filled day where they can choose their backpacks and fill it with the necessary grade appropriate items. Letting the children choose their backpacks and items is always exciting and you can't help but feel the anticipation for the new school year! Some of the letters we receive make us work even harder to ensure that we do what is necessary to continue to reach even more families. One thankful mother shared, “I am so grateful for all that was given to me, you would never know how much it means to me having four children, being evicted and with the stress of school around the corner is even more of a struggle. When we received the bookbags and school supplies, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I really hope that one day I am able to give back”. Hearing how our event is helping families like this is why we continue to host a Back-To-School event each year.
Community
Some of the families we assist respond back to us with such gratitude and inspirational stories that continue to make us keep doing all that we can do to help those in need. When a nearby family lost most of their belongings due to fire damage, we stepped in to help. Within hours we gathered items and collected funds on their behalf to help aid them in their time of need. We later found out that it was the small gesture of including a new bookbag to replace many of the child's destroyed things that helped relieve her deep anxiety and refusal to attend school. Unknowingly to her parents, she felt she would be teased for not having one.
Thomas R. Scott After School Scholarships
Our After School Scholarship is in memory of our co-founder Thomas R. Scott. Thomas had a vision that helped initiate our corporation which was established to help others in need. Thomas was a tremendous advocate for encouraging the youth and making a difference in their lives. In 2016, Thomas was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and although he suffered physically he never failed to invest in helping others. The Thomas R. Scott Scholarship will sponsor children who participate in the After School Program located at the Hillburn Youth Center which is filled with children from the community where he lived and served.
In Lieu of the Hillburn After School Program being closed due to COVID-19, This year the Thomas R. Scott Scholarship will be in the form of a new chromebook to help with virtual learning and offered to four students in the East Ramapo School District. More information can be accessed by contacting us at info@shininglightshelpinghands.org
Help us lend a helping hand!
Are you looking to spread cheer this holiday season? Click on the link below to see our Holiday programs and donation store!