Hi, my name is Elise. My heart for refugees began in 5th grade when I interviewed the director of a non-profit serving Syrian refugees for a school project. My heart broke for people who were suddenly displaced from their homes, families, and professions. Since that day, I have sought to welcome our new neighbors and help them create a home in the United States despite all they have lost.

For the last four years, I have volunteered regularly within the refugee community of Dallas. By setting up apartments for newly-arriving families, tutoring kids, distributing resources, and serving at baby showers for expecting mothers, I have heard countless stories of crisis and resilience.

While each is important and unique, a unifying theme is weaved into every story: we all want safety and belonging. We all have dreams for the future. We all long for a place to call home.

I created this school supply drive to help kids feel at home in their new schools, and to prepare them for success in their academic pursuits. Thank you for coming alongside our neighbors.