Your Donations Clear Roadblocks to Achieving Dreams

In reading eye-opening conundrum stories, and talking with students and program directors, we've learned there is a tremendous urgent need for Supplemental Scholarship Funds. Typically, students request support for books, tuition, laptops and school-related transportation costs.

Many families don’t have the resources, not only for college and college prep, but also for the basics their sons & daughters will need to pursue their dreams.​ 

​“Because of you, I’m gonna have my dream." 
"My daughter had a friend who was living from couch to couch and thought he could never go to college. She told him I could help, and I did. I helped him with applications and financial-aid forms; gave him some money for gas; took him on two college tours. Then I got stopped in the grocery store by two other kids who asked, "Would you get us in, too?" A kid would say, "Would you take me to see a college on Saturday?" and I'd say sure. Then another six kids would get in the car with me.

The kids started getting into college. I’d buy them $150 worth of clothes, get them a backpack full of supplies, buy their bedding for the dorm and drive them to school. I’d visit them in the beginning of the semester and get them bus tickets to come back. I helped seven students in eight years while working as an accountant, a controller and a CFO.
​
Then a kid named Nicholas said to me: “Because of you, I’m gonna have my dream." " *
*Excerpt from The Washington Post, Changing Channels, June 9, 2019

How Donations Have Made a Difference

College Access Fund donations allowed 12th graders to:
· attend college fairs, college prep workshops and professional workshops;
· visit colleges with food and transportation costs covered.

College Access Fund donations increased a senior Scholarship Fund from $1000 to $2500 for this summer’s application-based scholarship needs, such as laptops, books, tuition, and school-related transportation costs.
 
The donated MacBooks allowed the students to research scholarship and job opportunities, colleges and vocational schools.
 
2019 Winter Wish List donations provided much needed equipment (sleeping bag liners, tents, gloves, water jugs, a cooler, camping lantern and cameras) for the 6th through 12th graders in a year-round outdoor recreational program that also includes leadership development, team building, and environmental education.
 
Used and unused gift cards that were sent us (an assortment that included Walgreens, Walmart, Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, American Express) are going into an Emergency Fund for the students in college and heading off to college to fulfill needs like: school supplies, dorm furniture, bedding, bath towels, clothes for an interview, for example.
 
Donate Gift Cards
Used and unused gift cards can make a big difference no matter what the amount is. No need to research the amount; they will be put to good use for school supplies, dorm furniture and bedding, food emergencies, and more.

Help us give less privileged youth opportunities, support, and resources their wealthier peers benefit from to push the envelope, grow, become competitive college candidates, and achieve their potential. Through you and your support we can make a big difference in someone else’s life. And for that, I am very grateful!

Many Many Thanks,

MaryAnn Puglisi
Chief Engagement Officer
www.alloutforchange.org

Please send to others, or share on social media.