Touro University Nevada Donates More than $1,400 in New School Supplies for Whitney Elementary School
The Touro University Nevada community came together by donating more than $1,400 in school supplies for the underprivileged students at Whitney Elementary School.
During the 10-day drive, students, faculty, and staff filled three boxes with new school supplies in addition to $1,160 in cash donations.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Division of Student Affairs (DOSA) and overseen by Brad Kropik, Associate Registrar and Tisheena Lowe, Director of OASIS.
DOSA purchased 72 fully stocked backpacks with the money that was raised from the supply drive, including a $200 donation from one student.
“Our Touro students have to borrow money for school but they still donate to help these children. It’s pretty remarkable,” Kropik said.
Whitney Elementary has the highest rate of homeless students in the Clark County School District, according to Lowe, who worked at the school as an instructional coach and reading strategist from 2014-16.
“Whitney has a very transient student population. Some students would come to school wearing the same clothes they wore the day before,” Lowe said. “Being able to provide these students with school supplies helps them learn better in the classroom. These kids are so appreciative and thankful for the help because they just want to be a part of something stable.”
Touro has also partnered with Whitney Elementary to bring the mobile healthcare clinic to the school for free primary care services.
Rolando Flores, Associate Dean of Students and Registrar at Touro, commended DOSA’s efforts for taking the initiative to give back to the Whitney students who desperately need the assistance.
“Service to humanity is one of our core principles at Touro, and we want to make sure we are living up to those principles,” he said. “Touro has always done a great job giving back to our neighboring communities because we understand that there are people who aren’t as fortunate as we are. That’s where our heart really comes into play.”
