By Rafael Lima
A local business is helping to prepare underserved children for the new school year.
West County-based Windermere Rowland Realty just donated 20 backpacks and 10 boxes of school supplies to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. The supplies were delivered Wednesday at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Helms Middle School site in San Pablo.
The donated supplies went to youth in the organization’s Leadership group at its Helms Clubsite. The supplies will be organized and distributed to kids most in need, according to Rebecca Barrett, director of development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. The Boys & Girls Club can determine who needs supplies based upon needs assessments filled out by parents when they sign up for programs at the Boys & Girls Club.
“We also keep some of the supplies at each of our site for when needs tell us they need help throughout the year,” Barrett said.
Along with school supplies, Windermere Rowland Realty donated over $5,000 toward the Boys & Girls Clubs programs.
These are hardly the first donations made by the local business. The owners of Windermere Rowland Realty have strong ties with the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. Renee Rowland is on the governing board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa, and her husband Mike Rowland is on the West County Advisory Board.
“Board members support us in many different ways, they have to attend monthly meetings, assist with fundraising, and provide over sight to the organization,” Barrett said.
