Bernice Billups, instrumental in organizing the Boeing Liftoff for Learning school supply giveaway, reflects on its impact when a young girl approaches her with gratitude. “This handshake and hug, you can’t pay for that,” Billups remarks as she experiences the joy of giving firsthand.
During the event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Tolleston Opportunity Campus in Gary, Indiana, Aspire Academy student Ar’Nia, 7, expresses creativity beside her new backpack filled with school supplies. This giveaway is a part of Boeing’s annual initiative, equipping students with essential tools for the school year with contributions from employees and matched financial support from Boeing.
Billups, with over 25 years at Boeing, serves as the executive director of the central region for space advocacy and global engagement. She treasures her yearly visits to the Boys & Girls Club in Gary. “Liftoff for Learning,” she explains, “is where employee contributions and company matches provide vital school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, and backpacks to 750 children in Gary and Chicago.”
This initiative, ongoing for more than four decades, exemplifies Boeing’s commitment to communities wherever it operates. “Supporting students reflects the best part of my work,” says Billups. Post the devastating derecho on August 11, which left Gary powerless for weeks, this contribution offers significant relief to the community.
Located within the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, the Boys & Girls Club stands alongside the Gary YMCA and a Methodist Hospitals clinic. Billups admires the enhancements within the Club, particularly noting its cleanliness, brightness, and the presence of a Boeing STEM lab, which benefits from donated aircraft materials.
Present during the second distribution wave, Billups addresses the future of Gary. She acknowledges the philanthropy enabling these provisions. Sharaya and Lamiah, both 13, voice their appreciation, having faced personal challenges in acquiring school supplies. Sharaya’s aspirations include opening a child care center alongside her mother after attending a university with an Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter, while Lamiah aims to become a hairstylist and nail technician.
Attending the giveaway, J’Priest, 7, expresses joy at receiving his supplies, looking forward to recess at school. Sara Velasques, from the Boeing facility at Gary/Chicago International Airport, speaks on how these supplies ease burdens in times of crisis. She applauds the Boeing employees who participate enthusiastically in these efforts. “The community benefits from time, talents, and supplies given generously,” says Mike Jessen, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana.