OSU Museum of Art Advocates help equip backpacks

Monday, June 18, 2018

The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art Advocates recently contributed 1,000 boxes of crayons to “Backpack Buddies,” a collaborative project providing school supplies for Payne County youth. 

Altrusa International of Stillwater, in partnership with Our Daily Bread, implemented Backpack Buddies this year after looking for a project that fulfilled its mission to enhance the quality of life in the community, create opportunities for local youth, and offer a way for community members to assist. The resulting Backpack Buddies event will supply local leaders of tomorrow with a backpack containing items such as pencils, pens, notebooks, colored pencils, rulers, and crayons.

The OSU Museum of Art Advocates own commitment to education and community engagement made Backpack Buddies an especially appropriate project and a unique way to provide support as a $1,000 Gold Star sponsor. 

Carolyn Gang, a member of both the art advocates and Altrusa, said that although Altrusa is the originator of the event, Our Daily Bread is serving as a valuable resource as well as the location for backpack distribution. The Crayola Crayons donation will be distributed in backpacks on the morning of July 21 at Our Daily Bread.

“It was through coordination with Our Daily Bread that we were able to identify an exact number of youth in need,” Gang said.

Our Daily Bread served 1,500 households, or 2,597 individuals, during the month of May. With that information, organizers of Backpack Buddies set a goal to prepare 1,000 backpacks. In addition to the cash donations that have been raised, Gang said Altrusa has secured two grants for the project.

“We are receiving financial donations every day and still have more than a month of fundraising to go,” Gang said. “The 1,000 backpacks will definitely be a reality.” 

The OSU Museum of Art Advocates support the museum and its outreach to the community through their advocacy, volunteering, and/or financial contributions. Visit the museum website to learn how you can get involved.