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Starting the School Year Strong
As part of Global Volunteer Month, the Asian Pacific Middle East Employee Business Network (APMEN) at McDonald’s gathered employees around a shared goal: supporting local students and families served by CASL’s Education Center programs.
Volunteering & Support
As part of Global Volunteer Month, the Asian Pacific Middle East Employee Business Network (APMEN) at McDonald’s gathered employees around a shared goal: supporting local students and families served by CASL’s Education Center programs.
The partnership began with a back-to-school supply drive, where APMEN members collected essential school supplies for CASL students. McDonald’s also welcomed the CASL team to its headquarters, providing an opportunity to connect with volunteers and share more about CASL’s mission serving Asian American and immigrant communities across the Midwest.
The CASL team was warmly greeted by Michelle, an APMEN member and longtime CASL supporter, who helped bring volunteers together to learn about the impact of their contributions. During the gathering, Director of Children and Youth Services (CYS), Cindy, shared stories of the students and families CASL serves and highlighted how access to basic school supplies can help children feel confident and prepared for the year ahead.
Inspired by that message, volunteers got straight to work. In just one afternoon, McDonald’s employees packed 180 backpacks with notebooks, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and other classroom essentials. The room buzzed with energy and teamwork as backpack after backpack was carefully assembled for CASL students.
The impact was immediate.
The very next day, CYS teachers distributed the backpacks to children enrolled in CASL’s early childhood and school-age programs. Excitement filled the classrooms as students received their new supplies.
“We hope that the children and families who received the backpacks and school supplies can use them to tackle the new school year with excitement and confidence for continued learning. Nothing beats starting the new school year with fresh school supplies, so we are happy to share this joyful experience with the CASL students” said Michelle.
For many students, the backpacks quickly became a source of pride.
“The children were so surprised and excited to receive the supplies,” shared Cindy. “One of our preschoolers has been wearing his new backpack every day. I think the bag might be bigger than he is, but he wears it so proudly as he walks through the hallways.”
Through their generosity and service, the McDonald’s APMEN volunteers provided more than school supplies. They delivered encouragement, confidence, and a meaningful reminder that an entire community is cheering these students on.
CASL is grateful to McDonald’s and the Asian Pacific Middle East Employee Business Network volunteers for their partnership and commitment to helping children and families thrive. We look forward to continuing our work together to empower the communities we serve.
