Beaverton Student Teams Up with Local Toy Store to Distribute Activity Bags to Low-Income Students

Beaverton Student Teams Up with Local Toy Store to Distribute Activity Bags to Low-Income Students

Wednesday, June 10th, 2020

Arts & Communication Magnet Academy (ACMA) freshman student, Hannah Hunt, has raised $2000 to buy 100 “Brainy Bags” from local toy store, Piccolo Mondo Toys, to give to low-income students.  

“With so many children stuck at home due to Covid, I wanted to bring joy and fun to the students who have very little resources,” said Hannah.  “I thought the activity bags would be a great way to connect fun and learning into one.”

Hannah reached out to the Beaverton Education Foundation, who put her in contact with local toy store, Piccolo Mondo which created “Brainy Bags” for schools in Hillsboro.  The Brainy Bags include a variety of educational games, activity books, stickers and other fun treats.  

Originally, Hannah hoped to raise just $1000 but with the help of the Beaverton Education Foundation’s Learning Innovation Fund for Teachers and Students (LIFTS) Campaign, soon exceeded that goal.  BEF launched LIFTS in mid-March in response to the pandemic that closed schools to help support staff-initiated projects during remote learning.  They helped get school supplies, musical instruments, activity packs, and more so students can keep learning.

“This is another great example of how BEF, using the crowd-funding site Beaverton’s Choice, can broaden community engagement to support Beaverton students,” said Kristine Baggett, BEF Executive Director. 

Hannah will be distributing the 100 Brainy Bags to families during the Grab & Go Meal pick-up at Springville K-8, 6655 NW Joss Avenue Portland, 97229, this Tuesday, June 9, from 11 am – 12 pm.