Words Are Rich Foundation Helps Equip More Than 150 Youth for the New School Year
- Oli Porter
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
“Stepping Back to School with Confidence” brings together community partners to provide school essentials, food, personal care and enrichment to Las Vegas-area youth.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — August 2026 — More than 150 youth and families received essential resources, encouragement and support during the Words Are Rich Foundation’s “Stepping Back to School with Confidence” Back-to-School Drive, held at Pearson Community Center.
Designed to help young people begin the school year feeling prepared, confident and supported, the event served children and teens approximately 3 to 18 years old and brought together community organizations, partners, volunteers and donors around one shared purpose: removing barriers for families while creating a positive experience for young people.
Words Are Rich Foundation partnered with The Way Foundation, with additional community support helping provide everything from backpacks and educational supplies to shoes, food, hygiene products, toys and personal-care services.
More Than School Supplies
The event was intentionally designed to address the whole student experience.
Approximately 150 backpacks and 150+ sets of educational and school supplies were distributed to participating youth. Families also received approximately 75 pairs of shoes, 150 pairs of socks, clothing and 150 hygiene kits.
Food and refreshments were another major component of the event, with approximately 150+ food bags, 150 meals, 150 donuts, drinks and additional refreshments provided to participating youth and families.
Young people were also able to choose from more than 150 LEGO toys, creating an enrichment component focused on creativity, hands-on learning and fun.
Personal care played an important role in the day as well. Approximately 25 young people received haircuts, while an additional four to five youth received professional hair and braiding services from a participating beautician.
Community Partnership in Action
The event demonstrated what can happen when nonprofit organizations, businesses, community partners and volunteers combine resources around the needs of young people.
Support for the event included contributions from organizations such as The Way Foundation, Shoes That Fit, Pearson Community Center, Vegas Youth Ambassadors and United Movement of Kindness (UMOK).
United Movement of Kindness provided support as a community partner and supplier, contributing to the resources made available to participating youth and families.
The result was an environment where students weren’t simply handed supplies—they were welcomed, encouraged and given an opportunity to choose items, interact with volunteers and leave with resources that could make the transition back to school a little easier.
Impact at a Glance
The event reached 150+ youth and families, approximately ages 3–18, with:
150 backpacks
150+ sets of educational and school supplies
150 hygiene kits
150+ food bags
150 meals
150 donuts
150+ LEGO toys
75 pairs of shoes
150 pairs of socks
Clothing for participating youth
Approximately 25 haircuts
Approximately 4–5 professional hair/braiding services
Drinks and additional refreshments
Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom
For Words Are Rich Foundation, the purpose extended beyond preparing backpacks.
The event was created around the understanding that confidence can be affected by whether a young person has the basic things they need to walk into school feeling comfortable, included and prepared.
Providing a student with a backpack, a new pair of shoes, hygiene essentials, a haircut, a meal or even something enjoyable to take home can help alleviate some of the practical pressures families experience at the beginning of a school year.
“Stepping Back to School with Confidence” represented the Words Are Rich Foundation mission in action—bringing people together, meeting tangible needs and creating an environment where young people know their community is invested in their success.
About Words Are Rich Foundation
Words Are Rich Foundation is a Las Vegas-based nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth empowerment, mentorship, outreach and service initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and hands-on community engagement, the Foundation works to connect individuals and families with resources while creating opportunities for growth, confidence and empowerment.
Words Are Rich Foundation
702-720-3649
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