Community Partners: Pair of AA students joining forces to help those in need
Two Ann Arbor students are joining forces and combining their strong desires to help people by working with the Ann Arbor Public Schools in creating a donation drive for essential toiletries, feminine products, and gift cards for families in the local district struggling with challenges due to COVID-19, homelessness and other hardships.
Kata Bajcz, a 10th grader at Pioneer, and Izzy Sutton, a sixth-grader at Slauson, are making a positive impact on their community during these challenging times.
“Quarantine has opened up a lot more free time for me so I thought it’d be the perfect time to do more community work and jobs,” says Kata. “My mom (Kristy Bajcz) has been working on other projects and learned that Ann Arbor Public Schools has been supporting families in need with the toiletry essentials and the funds for that are running low. A donation drive was suggested and I knew it was a project I could help with.”
Kata Bajcz
Both Kata and Izzy have done other community-support projects in the past including donation drives before for other organizations.
It’s also kind of unique – and pretty cool – that a sophomore in high school and a sixth grader have come together to help organize such a worthwhile project.
“I know Izzy through my mom, and I’ve heard of her fundraisers as well, and thought we would work well as a team,” Kata says.
Izzy has worked with several fundraisers, including The Bird Center of Washtenaw County, A2Neighbors, and Starry Skies Rescue Center.
“I’m really glad that I can help support AAPS and work with Kata on this,” says Izzy. “I love Slauson and I’m really proud to be supporting our community. I think it’s important remembering that not everyone has as many things as they need right now and we can help. I really like showing everyone how much kids can do to help others.”
Izzy Sutton
The response so far has been fantastic.
“We have already had a few items dropped off, and some gift cards too,” says Kata. “The gift cards are important for many to get exactly what they need when they need it.
This donation drive is for two weeks, and we hope to collect many donations to help those that need it most.”
People are encouraged to contact either Kata or Izzy at ksbajcz@gmail.com, or mcsutton20@gmail.com to make arrangements for a drop off or pick up.
High-demand items are listed below. Alternatively, monetary donations are also accepted. Donation tax forms can also be given for donations to the AAPS.
The type of items we are looking for would be:
Diapers (All sizes) and diaper wipes
Antibacterial soap/pump hand soap
Body Wash
Dental Floss
Bar Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo + Conditioner bottles
Dishwashing Soap and Dishwasher Detergent
Laundry Detergent
Disinfecting wipes
All-purpose cleaning sprays
Sponges and cleaning cloths
Hand Sanitizer
Gift cards to Amazon, Meijer, Kroger, Target, etc.
