Keeping Communities Strong Through Education

What Keeps Us Connected to Our Community?  

You know, summer is winding down, fall is around the corner, and we're all looking forward to a FUN Labor Day Weekend... that means back-to-school season is in full swing! With two sons enjoying adulthood and one son still in high school, my relationship to education has changed over the years. I look back on my school experiences with pride, some regret, and a lot of appreciation for the many lessons learned and especially for the amazing teachers... we can’t forget them and all their hard work! They leave lasting impacts on many of the students they teach! 

Our annual August thru September Back to School Supply Drive reminds me why supporting education should be a priority for all of us, school-aged children or not. Schools are more than just opportunities learn, they're community centers. The teachers and friends we make can be our second families. Early childhood education is so important for social, cultural, and intellectual experiences...and every child deserves a chance at success during this time.

IST’s Back to School Supply Drive with Ticket to Dream: Making an Impact on Local Students and Families

Our IST Gives Back team is currently hosting our annual Back to School Supply Drive in partnership with the Ticket to Dream Foundation. Now until September 30th, we're collecting supplies via our online wish list and donations at our c orporate office to make sure our local  foster  kids who need supplies head into the year with everything they need. Ticket to Dream has already provided more than $58 million in school essentials to foster children across the country. We’re making sure these kids have  clothing, technology, and access to extracurricular activities that help them be the best! Their mission, "Helping Foster Kids Just Be Kids," highlights the very reason service is so important to us at IST. You know, it’s so important to give back, and what better way than by  helping set kids up for success! 

Last month, Halidom Eatery hosted a Back to School community celebration at our outdoor space in Atlanta. With two full days of FREE family activities, we really got to connect with members of our East Atlanta community. There were bouncy houses, face painting, and a petting zoo, along with back-to-school haircuts/braiding, and a school supply giveaway. This event was a massive success... I always look forward to connecting with families while doing our part to spread joy and success for everyone.

How can we support children and the education systems in our communities?

1. Volunteer at your Local Library - Libraries offer so many amazing and FREE events for children of all ages! Anyone can volunteer to read to children or support special events, directly supporting stronger literacy and a love of learning!
2. Donate Basic Supplies - Unfortunately, teachers often face tight budgets and end up taking on many costs themselves to support their classrooms. Simple donations to a teacher's Amazon wish list online or your local school, from pencils to tissues, can create hope and success for at least one child or classroom.
3. Mentorship Programs or Sports Coaching - Mentorship can have an extremely positive impact on both the mentor and the mentee. Whether academic, career-focused, or even creative or social, many children greatly benefit from positive adult examples and leadership outside of their family unit.
4. Attend a Local School Board Meeting - Important policy decisions begin at a local level. It is crucial to get to know our neighbors and to be informed about decisions happening at town halls or school board meetings. Participating in these discussions shows the importance of the issues discussed and allows us to be more active participants in our communities! 

Strong schools create strong communities... and every act of support, whether large or small, creates a ripple effect. Together, we can be the change we want to see!