Uniform and School Supply Drive for Children Affected by Homelessness
Family Gateway and NorthPark Center will partner for a Back-to-School Drive during August. Throughout the month, shoppers can donate gift cards or monetary donations outside the Concierge Center (Level One near Neiman Marcus); donations of school supplies, uniforms, belts, socks, and underwear will also be accepted in the mall management offices near Dillard’s. On Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 1 to 4 p.m., shoppers taking advantage of tax-free weekend at NorthPark Center can buy uniforms, school supplies, or gift cards and donate them to the children and families at Family Gateway. Staff members and ambassadors from the nonprofit will be stationed in NorthPark Center’s NorthCourt (Level One between Nordstrom and Macy’s) to collect the donations. Shoppers are invited to enjoy music by DJ Blake Ward, enter a raffle for NorthPark Gold, and learn more about Family Gateway’s mission.
Founded by Mayor Annette Strauss more than 30 years ago, Family Gateway serves families of all kinds and is the only shelter that will accept multigenerational families, families with boys over 14, same sex families, and unmarried couples with children. The agency serves as the point of entry (triage point) for Dallas County for families with children who are experiencing or near homelessness. Interventions provided include assessment and diversion, emergency shelter and supportive housing, case management, adult and children’s services, and an education program.
“Partners like NorthPark Center make our life-changing work possible,” said Ellen Magnis, CEO of Family Gateway. “We are excited for this partnership and can’t wait to see the community come together for this back-to-school drive.”
Homelessness is a traumatic experience for children and can make school a challenge. Providing uniforms and school supplies will help equip them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed this upcoming school year and beyond.
About Family Gateway
The mission of Family Gateway is to provide stability and life-changing supportive
services to families with children affected by homelessness. Family Gateway believes in providing housing first and then wrapping trauma-informed services around children and families experiencing homelessness to help them break the cycle of poverty. For moreinformation, visit www.familygateway.org.