As we’ve mentioned here before, Orion enjoys and takes pride in all our giving back initiatives, but we especially love those opportunities that allow us to see and interact with the people on the receiving end.  And that’s just what we got to do on Monday with our backpack giveway at Westside Elementary.

A team of Orion employees were joined by volunteers from SCS in handing out backpacks filled with essential school supplies and uniform items to every student who attended Westside on August 10th, the first day back to school in Shelby County.  First through 5th graders lined up in the school cafeteria for the event, and we couldn’t have asked for better smiles as they slung their new backpacks over their shoulders and said “thank you.”

Orion was able to donate enough items for the 350 student body, thanks to the help and generosity from our employees, local vendors Tiger Promotions and Yuletide Office Supply, and St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church.

We would also like to thank the SCS Division of Family and Community Engagement for their involvement and volunteer support, especially Ms. Nellie Powell, Adopt-a-School District Coordinator.  Ms. Powell offered her assistance at every turn, bringing a small army of volunteers to our corporate office last week to help us assemble the backpacks, and to Westside on Monday to help with the distribution.

We are grateful to be able to play a role in ensuring that as many children in Memphis are set up for educational success as possible.  It is our hope to grow this event next year and do even more!