According to United to Learn and YMSL Volunteer Dawn Zierk,
“As chair of the University Park Chapter Young Men’s Service League’s (YMSL) Ultimate Gift this year, we chose to work with United to Learn to directly impact the children in Dallas who need it most.
“This fall, we gathered mothers and sons from the our chapter to pour resources and support into United to Learn Schools with a special focus on Jill Stone Elementary. At Jill Stone, about 20% of students are from 24 different countries and speak more than 15 languages. Many come from war-torn countries and environments filled with fear–Afghanistan, Cuba, Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico.
“The affluent and the destitute exist side by side within our city. Most of our volunteers live less than ten minutes away from Vickery Meadow, where Jill Stone is located. We are so proximate to causes that need our support, and it is our passion to help where we can.”
“On two different days in October, YMSL volunteers threw a carnival for the 400 students attending Jill Stone Elementary and participated in United to Learn’s Community Campus Day, where 120+ volunteers blanketed the campus with support.
“We installed a leveled library to promote literacy skills at every level. We enhanced the playground and outdoor environment with a sensory path, storybook walk, new picnic tables, and stenciled games like hopscotch and a map of the USA, to bring joyful play into students’ lives. The value of these projects exceeds $30,000! We also distributed turkeys and meals to designated families the Friday before Thanksgiving.
“United to Learn works to improve children’s lives by channeling resources and relationships in the community to ‘step in where public dollars stop’ in Dallas ISD Title 1 elementary schools. I am grateful that I could connect YMSL with the efforts of U2L to be able to accomplish so much and I’d encourage any organization to work alongside United to Learn to improve education opportunities for our children–the future of Dallas.
Here are ways to get involved:
- Volunteer: Partner your organization, church, or volunteer group with U2L. They seamlessly convert volunteer hours to measurable impact! (unitedtolearn.org/partner)
- Invest: Show your support of improving the education landscape of Dallas! (unitedtolearn.org/donate)
- Advocate: Learn and spread the word about education issues in Dallas. Subscribe to EdNews at (unitedtolearn.org)
* Graphic/photo provided by United To Learn
