Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS), a high performing Newark-based public charter school system, partnered with two organizations to provide gifts to students in need ahead of this holiday season. Precious Dreams, which provides bedtime comfort items and programs that support youth in foster care and homeless shelters, and From the Sole, a non-profit that collects, refurbishes and gives shoes to homeless communities, visited Legacy Middle School to distribute donations of new shoes to students.
Precious Dreams donated comfort bags and gifts for students who either live in shelters, homes, or have been displaced due to unforeseen circumstances. These packages provide young people with sleep support and empower them to self-comfort while navigating uncertainty. Donated items include blankets and animals, fidget cubes, journals, motivational books, warm socks and more.
“The holiday gifting initiative was put together and coordinated by our campus leadership team with a desire to support students as much as possible, said Jared Taillefer, Executive Director at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School. Our Legacy Middle School Director, Crystal Johnson, also has a connection to From the Sole and has built a partnership to benefit our students and families.”
From the Sole created a “shopping experience” for the students, as the school’s auditorium space was turned into a free sneaker “store” with 100 pairs to choose from. Students were guided through the shopping process, setting an example for how they should expect to be treated when walking into a retail space, while also providing the experience of getting sized and picking out their own shoes.
“In addition to programs such as the one we just put on with From the Sole and Precious Dreams, displaced students are also supported academically through being provided additional instructional time after school or on Saturdays with a teacher. Additionally, extensions for schoolwork deadlines are provided when needed for the student,” commented Taillefer. “We’re proud to say that over 105 pairs of sneakers were provided at the event to students who needed them. We hope to work again with From the Sole and Precious Dreams in the near future along with other organizations to continue to provide support to our students.”
