MPS Foundation teams up with area businesses to get students school supplies

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Many Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students don't have the supplies they need to start school this year, especially those families hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. There's a collaborative effort to help called "No Empty Backpacks," and it's the fifth year organizers have helped make sure kids don't go without school supplies. 

At Beyond Vision in Milwaukee Friday, Aug. 21, Jackie Ackley helped to put together school supply kits at eight MPS schools. 

"It's disadvantaged people helping other disadvantaged people, Akley said. 

The company has a social mission to hire employees who are blind or visually impaired. It's working with the MPS Foundation for the "No Empty Backpacks" program. 

Beth Bauer of BestEd Business, is another partner in the effort. Her educational supply company bought the supplies with the donations and brought them to Beyond Vision to be assembled. 

"I know what teachers go through to try to work with their students and how many students really don’t have the supplies to be able to do well in school and even do the basics,” Beth Bauer said.

MPS Foundation Executive Director Wendell Willis said they will be helping 7,000 to 10,000 students. 

"We want to make sure that we can make our students whole and provide the equity they need," Willis said. 

Donations will be accepted until Aug. 23 through the MPS Foundation. You can buy a kit or donate money. To learn more, CLICK HERE.