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Making a Difference: Making a Difference

Polar Shades Sun Control and Henderson Professional Firefighters & Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association

As the fall season returns and kids head back to school, many will do so without the necessary clothes and supplies needed to make it through the year. HopeLink of Southern Nevada’s Back 2 School Drive, held this past summer, set out to change that with help from some generous donations.

Since 1991, HopeLink of Southern Nevada has strived to provide support for the working poor in the community. Since then, it has grown from an all volunteer group to having a full time staff  of thirteen. As part of their mission to help the needy, HopeLink hosts the annual “Back 2 School” fundraising event to encourage local residents and organizations to donate school supplies and outfits to economically challenged students for the upcoming school year. And thanks to selfless donors such as Polar Shades Sun Control and the members of the Henderson Professional Firefighters and Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association (HFBA), the school year is already looking brighter for disadvantaged students across the valley.

Polar Shades Sun Control donated $250 worth of supplies to the Back 2 School program this year. The supplies were delivered to the HopeLink office by representatives Lynn Groesbeck and Steve Mevius, owner of Polar Shades, a family owned small manufacturer that supplies retractable sun shades worldwide. “It is an honor to be able to give back to the community,” says Mevius, “especially children in need of supplies for the upcoming school year. As a profitable small business owner in Henderson, I believe it is important to give to those who are going through financial hardships during these tough economic times.” Karen Kyger, Executive Director of HopeLink added, “We are grateful to have businesses like Polar Shades who understand the importance of our program and are willing to donate supplies.”

Another charitable donation of $500 was given through a joint effort by the Henderson Professional Firefighters and the HFBA, with the gift once again being personally delivered to HopeLink by members of both organizations. Community service remains a key component of the Henderson Professional Firefighters as they continue to fundraise and donate directly to nonprofit groups throughout the valley, including the American Red Cross, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Henderson Boys and Girls Club, Safe Nest and many more. The HFBA is primarily focused on providing charitable assistance to its members and local charities and was pleased for the opportunity to participate in HopeLink’s fundraiser as well.

School should be a fun and educational experience for all children, not a stressful time where less fortunate kids are forced to struggle with basic needs. Thanks to help from Polar Shades Sun Control, the Henderson Professional Firefighters and the HFBA, the dream of making school a rewarding experience for all children is coming true through the dedication of HopeLink.

For more information on HopeLink of Southern Nevada, visit www.link2hope.org.

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