BALL METAL EXPANDS SUPPLY DROP-OFF
Ball Metal officially expanded its donation radius to Vallejo with its very first delivery of school supplies to Highland Elementary.
One of the prominent highlights was a delivery of six bean bag chairs the students had requested for the library. In addition to filling this special request, Ball Metal unloaded boxes of composition notebooks, backpacks and much-needed art supplies like crayons and copy paper.
“We are in a position where it's going to set us up really well for the next year,” said Principal Denita Robbins.
“We have over 500 students and we are a Title I school, so having the extra supplies that kids aren't necessarily able to get on their own or we can't always get as a school helps out a huge amount,” said Robbins.
After 20 years in education, both Instructional Coach Persimmon Smith and Robbins embrace an attitude where any little bit helps. “That's how our mindset is in public education — we're just grateful,” said Persimmon who admitted that there are certain windfalls sometimes.
Because the school's site funding doesn't allocate for furniture needs, many items like teacher desks and small group tables are makeshift. Other small things like snacks can also fall to teachers to provide and purchase. It's not uncommon for teachers to make up the supply deficit on their own.
“None of us are here for our own purpose,” said Robbins, adding that having these supplies on hand builds teacher morale. “It makes us feel good in the space that we're in.”
It also creates an environment where students and teachers can ask for things they need and receive them without the school scrambling to accommodate the request.
“A lot of the time, when we say `this is the homework assignment,' kids don't have supplies at their house,” said Robbins. The principal said she's excited to ensure students are better prepared. “I feel like we're providing them with tools that go beyond the school.”
As far as future requests, both Robbins and Smith agreed that sports equipment is always a top priority for the students. Everything from bas
ketballs and ball pumps to hula hoops and jump ropes helps provide a play opportunity for students who maybe don't live in areas where they can play outside.
The visit to Highland was also a reunion for Brandon Thornton, the Ball Metal drop-off coordinator, who recalled the years he spent attending school there.
“It's sad, the situation, but that's what we're here for,” said Thornton. “Let's try and at least help. You're not going to close that gap but at least you can help a kid get a backpack.”
“I pushed really hard to get the word spread,” added Thornton. The efforts have paid off over the last few years — Ball Metal car show has brought a record turnout of over 300 cars last year. The added support and school supplies allowed Brandon to raise the donating goal and reach eight schools this year, which ultimately turned out to be nine.
Robbins and Thornton also brainstormed future events with the hope of drawing more attention to the people behind the scenes. “I think it's more impactful when families can identify the people that have actually worked to help us get the supplies,” said Robbins.
One idea would have actual cars show up to the schools to help bridge that connection between donors and students.
“Let's try to mix it up, let's try to do something a little different,” said Thornton, adding that they're “kicking around some more ideas that have more impact for the schools.”