The Lawrence Arts Center would like to take this opportunity to thank the Edward Jones Advisors in Lawrence whose generosity had a huge impact in getting Kits for Kids into the hands of area elementary students this past year!
The Kits for Kids program was initiated at the beginning of the pandemic in an effort to safely spark creativity and support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education in a format children could enjoy at their own pace and place. Sponsors enabled us to take a variety of these kits, which included all necessary supplies and instructions, to community organizations free of cost.
Financial Advisor John Gascon said the project supports a core value at Edward Jones they call a “Spirit of Caring.” He said their team of advisors identified organizations that give back, and then team with them to help strengthen the community. They chose this project in particular because it was an opportunity for young people to explore their imaginations – to thrive rather than simply survive.
“We are committed to investing in our youth and were thrilled to learn about this unique project that could touch so many in a meaningful way,” Gascon said. “This was an investment in the hearts and minds of young people in our community, which is really an investment in the future of our community.”
Packed with fun activities, curriculum guides and supplies, these boxes of creativity provide hours of hands-on art experiences. Studies have long shown that the arts play an important role in combatting isolation, fostering self-expression and instilling confidence in people of all ages.
Since its inception, and with the support of sponsors like the Edward Jones Advisors in Lawrence, the program provided kits to organizations including Centro Hispano, Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, The Willow Domestic Violence Center, Communities in Schools Mid-America, and O’Connell Youth Ranch.
Stacie Jackson, site coordinator at Kennedy Elementary for Communities in Schools Mid-America, said more than two dozen kits were distributed to surprised 4th and 5th grade students at Kennedy.
“The kids were SO excited to receive the art kits,” she said. “We have a lot of fans of anime in 5th grade and some talented artists in 4th grade, and several students commented that they had never had such nice materials to create with.”
Edward Jones Advisors in Lawrence, thank you for the incredible impact you’ve made in the community by supporting Kits for Kids!
