Boeing’s Impactful School Supply Giveaway in Gary

Bernice Billups, executive director of Boeing’s central region for space advocacy and global engagement, shared her joy in handing out school supplies during an event in Gary, Indiana. As she explained her motivation, a young girl approached her, smiling, and thanked her with a handshake. Billups remarked, “This handshake and hug, you can’t pay for that.”

During the Boeing Liftoff for Learning school supply giveaway, held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Tolleston Opportunity Campus, students like Aspire Academy second-grader Ar’Nia, 7, engaged in activities like drawing beside their new, fully-stocked backpacks. This event, part of Boeing’s community engagement efforts, aims to equip students with necessary tools for a successful school year.

Billups, a Boeing veteran of 25 years, expressed her love for this particular part of her job, saying, “This is the absolute best part of my job.” The Liftoff for Learning drive involves Boeing employees donating money, which the company matches, to purchase school supplies. This year’s contributions included composition books, spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, folders, backpacks, and more for 750 children in Gary and Chicago.

Billups stated, “Every school supply you can think of, we’re supplying it,” and noted that Boeing has been running this program for over 40 years. It’s one of two enterprise-wide drives the company supports. She emphasized, “Wherever Boeing has a presence, we are supporting students in that community.”

The recent derecho that hit Gary on August 11 caused significant disruption, leaving many without power for weeks. In light of this, Billups was heartened to offer a helping hand, commenting, “It just warms my heart to be able to do something like this.” She praised the Boys & Girls Club’s facility, which is part of a larger campus that includes a YMCA and hospital clinic.

The expanded club impressed Billups, who highlighted its Boeing STEM lab and the inclusion of donated aircraft materials. At the event, she addressed the gathered teens, referring to them as VIPs, and noted the importance of such initiatives.

Sharaya, 13, one of the recipients, expressed her gratitude, explaining her previous book bag had been stolen. Lamiah, another 13-year-old, expressed similar thanks, acknowledging the importance of having essential supplies. Both have big plans for their futures, with Lamiah aspiring to be a hairstylist and nail technician, while Sharaya dreams of opening a childcare center and attending a university with an Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter to empower black women.

J’Priest, 7, voiced his happiness over receiving supplies, sharing that his favorite school activity is recess. Sara Velasques, a Boeing employee, also shared her insights, stating that the initiative eases burdens during difficult times post-derecho.

Mike Jessen, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, emphasized the importance of community support, encouraging donations of time, talent, or supplies. The event not only benefits the students but also brings joy to Boeing employees. Billups reflected on the experience, noting how the children’s excitement is infectious.