Jaden McDaniels Gives Backpacks and School Supplies to South Minneapolis Kids
NBA forward partners with Urban Ventures and PayAway to help 150+ students start the year with confidence.
On a recent visit to Urban Ventures, Jaden McDaniels partnered with PayAway to provide over 150 backpacks full of school supplies to families attending Urban Ventures' National Night Out event.
"We love being able to do this for our neighbors," said UV staff member Luke Trouten, who helped coordinate the event. "It's not just that it is good for families who need to stretch the dollars to buy supplies for the school year, it's also the pride and confidence a student has when they get to walk into that first day of school with a brand new backpack. Our hope is that every student we serve feels prepared to succeed."
That "Look Good, Feel Good" mentality is a central theme in Jaden's connection to Urban Ventures, recognizing that most growth starts from a shift in mindset first. Previous similar efforts included winter coats, custom suits, and fresh haircuts for students at Urban Ventures.
When the time came to hand out backpacks, a hundred families were already in line. Jaden and UV neighbors traded smiles as kids picked out their favorite characters or color for their backpack. By the time the last backpack was claimed, kids were showing off their picks like prized trophies; superheroes, sparkles, and everything in between. Turns out, confidence fits perfectly in a backpack.
This School Year, 2 = 3.
Every $2 you give unlocks $1 more for students to start the year strong. Let’s unlock more potential together today.
