Boy begins backpack and school supplies drive for Fresno Unified students in need
Seven-year-old Zackeria Lovick recently learned something startling while shopping for school supplies with his mom.
As he picked out items to use in class as a second-grader at Figarden Elementary School in northwest Fresno, his mom Malarie Silos asked, “What about the kids who can’t afford it?”
His response: “Wait, what?!”
That led to a discussion and plan. Zackeria would collect backpacks and supplies for a different school within Fresno Unified School District each month through May. After that, he hopes to continue collecting items over the summer for a back-to-school giveaway next fall.
I’m very proud of him for thinking beyond himself.
Malarie Silos
mother of Zackeria LovickHe gave away his first 17 packs stuffed with supplies for children in need on Monday afternoon at Del Mar Elementary in central Fresno.
“I just want to help kids so that they have everything they need,” Zackeria said.
Nine-year-old Katrina Haemkeo was among a small group of students from first through fifth grade who met with Zackeria at Del Mar. She was excited and surprised to receive a new black backpack with supplies. She thinks what Zackeria did is “really cool.”
Del Mar Principal Nicole Woods agrees.
“I think it’s great for our students, obviously, to receive something so wonderful, but also for them to see someone their age gathering and giving beyond themselves,” Woods said. “It may inspire our own students to do something similar. … It’s just a positive way to start the school year.”
A certificate of recognition from Fresno City Council Member Esmeralda Soria also was presented to Zackeria, calling him an “inspiration to the youth in our community!”
Zackeria is now working to collect more items so he can give to students at another school, which hasn’t been chosen yet. His mom is proud of his enthusiasm for the project and initiative.
“He’s kind of been taking over, which is fun to see.”
Carmen George: 559-441-6386, @CarmenGeorge
How to help
To donate to Zackeria’s School Supply Drive:
▪ Call 559-577-5448 to arrange a donation
▪ Drop off supplies at Studio 614, 614 E. Weldon Ave. across from Fresno High School, by calling ahead to 559-930-8181
▪ Drop off supplies at Figarden Elementary School, 6235 N. Brawley Ave., Fresno during regular school hours
This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Boy begins backpack and school supplies drive for Fresno Unified students in need."