Backpacks and Pencils and Supplies, Oh My!

How Advance Staff Went Above and Beyond to Supply Local Children

Geneen Ransom, an Implementation Project Manager at Advance Partners, knows the value of an education.
“Education is key! We just want to help students get the supplies they need to help them succeed. Being prepared to learn largely effects a child’s desire to learn.”
That’s why she spearheaded two major fundraisers at Advance that we have now participated in many times over the years since 2013: Operation Backpack and Stuff the Bus.
Operation Backpack, a major drive to get back-to-school items for Northeast Ohio families, is organized by 19 Action News and Volunteers of America. It is a week-long fundraiser where you can donate school supplies to children in need.
Stuff the Bus is an annual school supply drive organized by Fox 8 Ohio where school supplies are loaded onto school buses for delivery to school aged children in the local area. You can see footage of the 2019 event here.

What it Means to Be Involved
“Giving is truly part of the culture of Advance. We do charity drives all the time – but these ones are special, because it’s for local kids. Talk about making a difference where it counts in the community,” says Jeanne Michaelides, the Director of Client Experience and avid supporter of both charities. “It wouldn’t happen without our rock star organizer Geneen though! She brings an amazing energy to organizing the drives and inspires us all to contribute.”
Ransom says it all comes down to the kids.
“It’s about helping local kids succeed in school. That’s all the matters.”

Participating in the Future
Ransom says that she hopes to continue organizing Advance employees to donate to these causes.
“In 2019, we dropped off a full carload to the drop off spots. 10 backpacks, tons of supplies. Last year with the pandemic, we weren’t able to participate. But in years to come when we are back in the office, I’m sure we will be back.”