A group of residents from Pacific Regent Bellevue, an independent senior living community, successfully raised $5,480 and collected 12 backpacks filled with school supplies to support local children in need. The initiative was led by former educators Jackie and Mike McBride in response to a nearly doubled demand for back-to-school supplies in Bellevue this year.
Mike McBride, who spent 34 years as a principal in the Bellevue School District (BSD), and Jackie McBride, a retired elementary school teacher with 25 years of service in the Issaquah School District, took charge of the project. They were joined by fellow committee members Donna Peterson, Arlene Alton, and Jan King, all of whom have backgrounds in education or child-related work.
“This initiative was led entirely by our residents,” said Kelly Callahan, Executive Director at Pacific Regent Bellevue. “Our independent living community is very active, and our philosophy is to support the great things that our residents want to do.”
The fundraising drive was conducted from August 1 to August 10. The committee used a combination of mailbox fliers and elevator signs to encourage fellow residents to contribute.
“This is the fifth year that we have done this,” said Mike. “As the need was especially high this year, we knew we had to continue to support the children in our community.”
The group collaborated with Congregations for Kids, a local organization, to manage the drive. The committee plans to deliver the donations and backpacks to Spiritridge Elementary on Tuesday, August 13, at 11 a.m., where Congregations for Kids will ensure they are distributed to BSD students in need.
