Not only is Russell Investments a global leader in the financial industry with a stated purpose to improve financial security for people, but Russell is also committed to community involvement, associate empowerment and education.
Russell’s generous donation of 70 backpacks to Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School as a result of the employee championed, Back to School Backpack Challenge.
These values were clearly exemplified at the start of the school year, when Russell associates came together for their first ever “Back to School Backpack Challenge” to
ensure that over 200 students in King and Pierce Counties started the school year
equipped with backpacks filled with essential school supplies that their family
might not otherwise be able to afford. These supplies included crayons, scissors, rulers, folders, paper, notebooks, colored pencils, tissue, glue, hand sanitizer, snacks and more.
Russell employee, John Gilman, meets with Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Principal, Cothron McMillian, and City Year team members after making the backpack delivery on the first day of school.
One of the schools lucky enough to be the recipient of Russell’s generosity was
City Year partner school, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary. This vibrant elementary school has a mission that every child is able to achieve at high levels and that every adult is accountable for their success and is composed of a student body where 83% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Promptly following their delivery the morning of the first day of school, the backpacks were already making a difference in students’ lives. Concerned students and parents met with Principal McMillian explaining their lack of supplies and were immediately relieved to be the recipient of Russell’s donation.
Martin Luther King Elementary School celebrates their First Day of School Assembly with teachers, administrators and the City Year team. Seventy fortunate students will be the recipients of Russell’s Backpack Challenge.
Thank you, Russell, for your investment in our community – you are changing lives!
City Year Seattle Blog 