Smiles and shouts of glee abounded at The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School when NBA All-Star Washington Wizards Point Guard Russell Westbrook along with the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation selected our school to host its first Washington, D.C., holiday drive-through event. Held on Dec. 21, the drive-through was created to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 300 of our students in grades K-8 were gifted face masks, backpacks, and signed pairs of Westbook’s signature Jordon shoe. Students met Westbrook, who personally handed out the shoes, and new teammates Deni Avdija and Cassius Winston, who came by to show their support.
“This year has been tough for so many families across the country and giving back continues to be an enormous focus of mine. I’m so happy to be able to partner with The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School and give back to the community here in Washington, D.C. My goal is to continue to connect with the inner-city youth here to empower them to ask, ‘Why Not?’ when they’re told they can’t do something and inspire them to be the change they want to see in the world,” said Westbrook.
“The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School offers a unique, proven philosophy of education where children are valued and respected. Our mission to empower students for success in life aligns with that of the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation,” said Bryan Daniels, principal of The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School. “Receiving a new pair of shoes from an NBA star can make a world of difference in a child’s life. We thank Russell Westbrook and the Why Not? Foundation for recognizing our students and making their holidays brighter, especially this year, after they and their families have faced so many challenges and hardships.”
The mission of the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation is to inspire the lives of children, empower them to ask, “Why Not?” and teach them to never give up. The foundation is dedicated to supporting community-based education and family service programs while encouraging youth to believe in themselves. For more information, visit whynotfoundation.org (hyper link).
The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School offers an enriched physical environment combined with an arts-infused curriculum, a visual and performing arts program, hands-on project-based learning, character development, information and communication technology and a student support center. Located at 2146 24th Place NE in Washington, D.C., the school is an affiliate member of The Children’s Guild Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations dedicated to transforming how America educates and cares for its children through education, behavioral health and national training and consultation services. For more information, visit tcgdc.org.
