Backpacks, School Supplies Donated to Students

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U

Photo: Matt Flynn (left) and Matt Rosner (right) join Bolingbrook High School National Honor Society students Jeremiah Obeng, Jocelyn Flores, Janina Rojas, and Deyoola Arowolo in displaying some of the backpacks donated to younger VVSD students by First Investors, a Foresters Company.

Homeless and less fortunate youngsters in Valley View School District 365U will receive backpacks and a variety of school supplies thanks to a donation by VVSD approved investment provider First Investors, a Foresters Company.

Made possible by grants from the Canada-based fraternal benefit society, nearly 200 backpacks as well as dry erase markers, folders, binders, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, and pencil sharpeners were purchased by First Investors.

“It’s a way for us to give back,” said Matt Flynn, a representative of First Investors who joined fellow representative, Matt Rosner, in overseeing distribution Monday. “Foresters’ goal is to benefit the communities in which members live or work by providing these grants.”

Nearly two dozen National Honor Society members from Bolingbrook High School helped prepare the backpacks and supplies for distribution.

For 140 years, Foresters has fulfilled its purpose to enhance family well-being for its members and the communities where they live through quality life insurance and investment products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

Each year Foresters organizes thousands of community activities, providing financial contributions and hands-on volunteerism in support of various charitable partners. Volunteers help build playgrounds (through their partnership with the nonprofit KaBOOM!) and support children’s health through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“They do a lot of things like this in communities like Bolingbrook,” Flynn said.