What started as a heartfelt initiative in the front yard of a family home in Albion, St. Thomas, has grown into an organization dedicated to providing school supplies to low-income students. Co-founded by Rachel Blake ’28 and her sister, The Children of Albion Foundation is now hosting a book bag drive on Wellesley’s campus, running until March 31. We spoke with Blake to learn more about how the foundation began and the ongoing impact it has.

The foundation was launched in August 2016 when Blake and her sister saw a need to help students access essential school supplies in their local community in St. Thomas. They recognized how families were struggling to provide adequate resources for their children to properly learn in school.

“Growing up, we saw firsthand how a lack of resources affected students’ education. We wanted to ease that burden for families and give children the tools they need to succeed,” Blake explained.

In the early years, the foundation was entirely self-funded, with Blake and her sister covering all expenses out of their own pockets. “Thankfully, over the years, many sponsors have come on board, along with [financial] support from family and friends,” she said. “As the need grew, we [expanded our efforts] to help children in neighboring communities.”

The foundation’s mission is clear: to provide school supplies for students from low-income families, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed in their studies. The lack of basic school supplies not only puts a mental and financial burden on students, but also on their teachers, who often use their own money to pay for the supplies needed. The Blake sisters hope to amplify and address this issue of educational inequity that affects so many through the work they do within The Children of Albion Foundation. 

“We believe every child can succeed if given the right tools,” Blake remarked.

This year, the foundation is hosting a book bag on Wellesley’s campus to collect donations for underprivileged Jamaican students for the upcoming school year. The drive has collection boxes at several locations across campus, including Bates, Harambee House, Stone Davis, Shafer and Tower.

“We welcome all types of backpacks in new and [gently used] condition, and school supplies, including hardcover notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, and more,” Blake said.

For those who want to support the drive but are unable to donate supplies, Blake emphasized that there are still other ways to get involved. “[You] can still show support by making monetary donations, volunteering or sharing our initiative with others,” she said. “Every effort helps make a difference.”

Until the end of the month, the Wellesley community can participate in the collection and support the mission of the foundation. Though there is a long way to go in ensuring that every child can acquire the educational resources they need, the Children of Albion Foundation’s book bag drive may be a step forward in addressing the gaps present all around us.

Image credit: Rachel Blake ’28

Contact the editors responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn and Valida Pau