Dominick Macolino, Mr. Darian Smith (CASD) and Sergeant Rodger Ollis (Coatesville police) deliver school supplies for city students impacted by COVID-19 school closures.
COATESVILLE — City school children received needed supplies last week in the form of school desks and chairs donated by Activated Capital, the group that created a Coatesville specific opportunity based fund for revitalization of the town.
Activated Capital has invested a significant amount in the Coatesville housing market and recently purchased St. Stanislaus Church at 209 West Lincoln Highway where they intend to bring a performing arts theater, Event Center and Hotel.
The former church property was also home to school classrooms filled with student desks and chairs which remained after the sale. When assessing the inventory, Activated Capital partnered with non-profit Activated Life, a 501(c)(3) organization to donate those desk to students in town. Activated Capital is addressing social impact in Coatesville focused on three themes: mental health and wellness; financial literacy and education; and economic development and job creation.
“We wanted to put the desks to good use,” Josh Burrell of Activated Capital. “Knowing that parents are now homeschooling because of the COVID19 pandemic, we thought that some students might not have a designated learning space in their home.”
The group immediately went to work securing the partnerships and logistics needed to get desks and chairs delivered into the homes of City students. Connections were made with New Heritage Properties, Coatesville Police Department, and the Coatesville Area School District.
Activated Capital is also looking for partnership with other businesses to donate art supplies that can go with the desk to keep our kids busy.
Dr. Rick Dunlap, Interim Superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District notes, “This generosity illustrates the way a community can come together in times of crisis. It’s critically important that we help our students and their families navigate through these unusual circumstances.”
So far 60+ desks and chairs have been delivered to City students by the City Police and Fire Departments. There are 50+ more and requests are being delivered through Sunday, April 19th. All the supplies were sanitized before delivery and left on porches ensuring safety protocols and avoiding human contact all together.
“I feel more comfortable now, and my kids are really now in the right frame of mind,” states an appreciative mother. “They don’t have school but now they have these desks and supplies and know this means business.”
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