Walker News Archive
Hurricane Katrina Relief: The Walker School Response
In the weeks since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region, the country has witnessed innumerable acts of generosity and  kindness from individuals across the nation. In September the entire Walker School community banded together in this spirit of purpose for two initiatives – “Have A Heart” and “Project Backpack” – aimed at aiding the thousands of families and children affected by this natural disaster.
“Have A Heart,” a school-wide fund raising campaign organized by the Student Government Association, raised more than $13,500. During this five-day effort, participants wrote their names on paper hearts purchased for $1 to $50 that were then displayed in various locations throughout the campus. The Educational Travel Alliance (E-Trav) provided a $10,000 match that brought the total amount raised to $23,500. The proceeds from “Have a Heart” were donated to The American Red Cross.
Walker’s second school-wide aid effort, “Project Backpack,” collected more than 600 backpacks for the Mississippi Hurricane Relief Fund. Students, parents, faculty and staff purchased and filled backpacks with much-needed school supplies for the displaced children who are returning to school in new cities across the state. At the conclusion of the weeklong drive, dozens of Walker students loaded the backpacks on a 16-foot Ryder truck, donated by Robert Bowden, Inc., which was driven to the main aid distribution center in Jackson, Mississippi by Upper School Principal Bob Murphy.
In the weeks and months ahead The Walker School will continue to do its part to help. To date, the school has enrolled 10 students from New Orleans area private schools so they may continue their education until they are able to return home. And on Monday, December 5, The American Red Cross will be on campus to hold a blood drive to help replenish supplies lost in the aftermath of the storm. Please make sure to check the website for more information on this event.
The Walker School sends out a big “thank you” to each and every member of our “family” for making these two initiatives such an overwhelming success. We are proud of all you have done, and all you continue to do, to help these families rebuild their lives.
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