Students Set Up For Academic Success Thanks To Backpack Drive

McDonald’s Hispanic Operators Association (MHOA), Martin-Brower and Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) joined forces this back-to-school season to equip 150 local students with backpacks and supplies in celebration of the upcoming academic year. The donation was coordinated as part of Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) annual backpack drive.

The 150 backpacks were stuffed with
supplies provided by RMHCDC, including branded notebooks, pens and nutritional
placemats to encourage healthy eating, in addition to academic success,
throughout the school year. LAYC coordinated the donations and held an event at
their center on August 9^th where some of the youth and students were
presented with the school supplies.

“We are grateful for these wonderful
organizations who are addressing the academic needs of our youth and empowering
them to succeed in the 2018-2019 school year,” said Lupi Quinteros-Grady,
President & CEO of Latin American Youth Center. “Our students can now focus
on the work ahead of them and attend school confidently each day knowing they
have the supplies needed to accomplish their goals.”

MHOA has participated in the backpack
drive program for the past three years, having donated a total of 450 backpacks
to children at LAYC.

“The MHOA is a family-based group of McDonalds
owner operators in the DC Area. We love the opportunity to connect and give
back to the community that we do business in. The LAYC is an organization that
we love and support what they stand for.” Giuseppe Giaimo, McDonald’s Family
Restaurant Owner and Operator.

Latin American Youth Center works to empower
a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood
through multi-cultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address
youths’ social, academic, and career needs. LAYC does this by creating safe
spaces to work alongside youth through a variety of services like bilingual
programs, arts and recreation, job readiness, safe housing, and health and
wellness.