This year, students across the country have had to adapt to an academic year unlike any other, with some returning to socially distanced schools and others logging online for remote courses. But whether they’re learning in the classroom or from their couch, students need access to their daily essentials. To set West Philadelphia students up for success, Bridget Abdalla, CMA, the administrative assistant for Penn Presbyterian Medical Center’s Cardiology team, teamed up with the Jarell Christopher Seay Love and Laughter Foundation last month to distribute much-needed school supplies.
The foundation was established to honor the memory of Jarell Seay, a victim of gun violence who tragically passed away in 2011. Abdalla recently connected with Cheryl Seay, Jarell’s mother and the foundation’s founder/CEO, and learned about the wide range of fundraisers, giveaways, and community events Seay hosts throughout the year. Ever the enthusiastic and compassionate volunteer, Abdalla brought back news of the foundation’s October Clean and Safe Community Giveaway Event to her colleagues and began crafting a detailed back-to-school wish list on Amazon. The Cardiology team showed a groundswell of support.
In addition to cleaning products, hygiene products, gift cards, mental health resources, and healthy lunches distributed by other local organizations, Presby provided 90 backpacks, six boxes of composition books, four boxes of folders, case after case of pens, pencils, highlighters, and crayons, and small notebooks filled with inspirational quotes that kids can use for school or as personal journals to express themselves during this challenging time. Abdalla also volunteered her time at the event, helping to connect over 100 community members with the resources they needed.
“This was our first time working with the foundation, and I’m really excited to maintain our new relationship. It was a touching, awesome event, and it allowed us to serve Presby’s community,” she said. “This kind of work is essential, not just because it feels good to give back, but because it’s critical to help others feel seen — to help them know that they and their needs are important.”