Author: Naquela Pack

Students at three Shocker Neighborhood elementary schools received boxes of books earlier this week from members of the United Way’s Women United. The program is part of an effort to encourage summer reading.

“I thought that was me,” said a third-grader at Jackson Elementary on May 19 when Naquela Pack, director of engagement for Wichita State, visited Jackson. The little girl was referring to the cover of the book “Blended,” which features a brown-skinned woman on the cover. The Wichita girl saw herself in the character.

Contributions from Wichita State and the United Way are empowering positive changes in Shocker Neighborhood, which encompasses more than a dozen neighborhoods surrounding the university.

•  United Way-funded programs helped more than 26,000 of our neighbors within Shocker Neighborhood last year alone.
• Almost 1,000 children living within Shocker Neighborhood were enrolled in the Imagination Library and will receive a free book every month until age 5.

The Office of Engagement partnered with Common Ground Producers and Growers last December to provide food to those in need. The partnership also included Student Government Outreach and the Shocker Support Locker. Since December 2020, 4,250 to 5,400 pounds of food have been distributed on campus.

The groups hope in the future to donate to other Shocker neighbors through their neighborhood associations.

The next Shocker Neighborhood Coalition drive-thru mobile pantry will be 1-3 p.m. May 28 at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church located at 25th and Estelle Street. Volunteers will provide guests with a box of dry goods, a box of fresh produce, bread, desserts and milk.

Please help spread the word to our neighbors. Sign up here to volunteer.