IU Black Law Student Association helps first-graders affected by natural disaster
Gather your pens, pencils and other school supplies.
Second-year law student Tia Strozier organized a "Pack a Backpack" initiative for school children in Joplin, Mo., in the wake of a natural disaster in the community last spring.
The Indiana University Black Law Student Association's "Pack a Backpack" initiative is collecting school supplies for first-graders affected by a massive tornado in Joplin, Mo., in May 2011.
Second-year law student Tia Strozier, community service chair for the Maurer School's Black Law Student Association, said the initiative seemed like a great opportunity for the chapter to get involved with both the Bloomington and Joplin communities.
"Education is very important to BLSA, and this was a really unique opportunity to help students," Strozier said. "'Pack a Backpack' is part of the campaign for developing more comprehensive and more socially attuned service opportunities for our chapter."
She said part of the reason behind donating to first-graders is that the requested items are easy to find.
"There is no excuse for you not to participate," Strozier said.
Donations are needed by March 8.
Items requested are:
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Washable markers
- No. 2 pencils
- Pens
- Pocket folders
- Erasers
- Spiral notebooks
- Facial tissues
- 3-by-5 notecards.
"As much as I want to help the kids in algebra, the ninth- and 10th-graders, I honestly don't know where to buy a protractor," she said.
"Pack a Backpack" extends beyond the local chapter. The national and regional Midwest Black Law Student Association chapters are committed to social justice and seek to help all chapters connect within their own and other communities.
"We are very lucky that we have people here that are so motivated and persuasive. Everybody in the chapter has been incredibly giving and encouraging of this initiative," Strozier said.
For more information about the "Pack a Backpack" initiative, or to find out how you can donate, email tstrozie@indiana.edu.
Black Law Student Association
The Black Law Students Association is an organization with the goal of enhancing its members' social and academic experience at Indiana University School of Law. BLSA provides its members with a solid network of support through mentoring and social events. The group is also deeply involved in community service and in mentoring students at Bloomington schools.
