Volunteers Provide Free Backpacks and School Supplies to Slater Elementary Students

Assistant Principal Dr. Jeffrey Copeland and a group of Slater Elementary fifth graders are all smiles following a backpack and school supply giveaway sponsored by Loew’s Hotel.

During a special assembly last week, employee volunteers from an Atlanta hotel surprised 300 third, fourth, and fifth graders at Thomas Heathe Slater Elementary School when they passed out brand new backpacks filled with school supplies.

The school assembly featured representatives from Slater’s long-time corporate sponsor, Loew’s Hotel, who donated to the school as part of its community-focused “Good Neighbor” program. Representatives learned about Slater’s needs on the donorschoose.org website, and decided to make a difference.

Principal Eunice Payne (Front row, first from left), Dr. Copeland, and students pose with Loew’s Hotel employee volunteers following the backpack giveaway.

Shirley Pendergrass, a technology paraprofessional at Slater, said she appreciates Loew’s support of the school.

“They called to see if there was a need for a sponsor at our school,” Pendergrass said. “When Loew’s called, [Assistant Principal] Dr. Copeland was actually looking for some chairs for the main office. And just like that, a relationship was birthed. Loews has been giving 110 percent from that first encounter.”

Pendergrass also noted that in 2015, Loew’s employees donated several community service hours reading to students. In addition, several of their chefs volunteered and mentored students during lunch, while others held “treat-a-trunk” in October, and hosted a staff holiday party and end-of-the-year retirement celebration.

“And to top it all off, Loew’s has donated over $20,000 to our teachers through DonorsChoose.org,” Pendergrass added. “We are truly grateful for their support.”

Loew’s Hotel General Manager Mark Castriota (front center) is surrounded by Slater Elementary staff and employees from Loew’s Hotel, all of whom stuffed 300 backpacks filled with school supplies for students.