Page 36 - TTA Newsletter Spring Summer 2018

Highlights of the Public Luncheon

Blessings in a Backpack - Karl and Karla Gentles

Blessings in a Backpack – Children First Leadership Academy, Phoenix, Arizona
The Children First Leadership Academy inspires students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and active citizens. The
school serves the whole child by providing hope, fostering strength, facilitating self-determination, and developing leadership
qualities.The Children First Leadership Academy delivers an educational leadership model with a specific attention to detail
to each of its 250 K-8 students. Smaller classroom sizes and additional resources enable students to participate in a stable,
stimulating, and supportive environment that instills confidence and eliminates the obstacles that might otherwise stand in
the way of a quality education.

Back to School Clothing Drive – Karl and Karla Gentles

Founded in 1967, the Back to School Clothing Drive provides fundamental items to high-need children throughout Arizona.
Our mission is to provide new school outfits and uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies to children in need.

Through our three programs we help more than 25,000 children from 260+ schools in
40 school districts. More than 9,500 students benefit from our "New Clothes, New Beginnings" clothing distribution through
our partnership with BHHS Legacy Foundation's "Backpack Buddies" program. Our Student Attire for Education (SAFE)
program offers matching grants to schools that shop in our online store to fill their onsite clothing closets. All proceeds from
the store are invested back into our program to fund additional grants and help more children. Finally, Our Stitches of Love
program consists of 500 volunteer seamstresses who sew clothes all year so students can return to school with an item that
was handmade just for them.
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