WLB Back-to-School Drive
Published August 20, 2025
For the second year in a row, Merrick’s Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site hosted a Back-to-School Drive, providing clients with an opportunity to support the community in a meaningful way.
Last year’s recipient of donations was Vadnais Heights Elementary School. Following research into lower-income neighborhoods, the WLB team selected Dayton’s Bluff Elementary in St. Paul as the recipient of this year’s donations. In a fitting coincidence, Program Plan Coordinator Donna Tate – who originally launched the Back-to-School Drive – was among the first students to attend Dayton’s Bluff when it opened in 1974.
For clients at WLB, the Back-to-School Drive is a chance to engage in community service. It is an opportunity to build connections, make new friends, and witness the direct impact of their generosity. When delivering donations to Dayton’s Bluff on August 26, clients were thrilled to see the gratitude on the faces of those receiving the supplies. They greeted school staff like old friends and eagerly posed for a group photo. To many clients, these weren’t strangers—they were simply friends they hadn’t met yet. And in many ways, they were right.
It’s efforts like the Back-to-School Drive that spark new partnerships—some of which grow into lasting relationships. A great example is Merrick’s Self-Advocacy program, which has proudly supported the Vadnais Heights Lions Club’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive for many years.
At Merrick, launching charitable initiatives is nothing new – civic responsibility has long been one of our core values, guiding how we connect with and contribute to our community. As the home of Merrick’s Life Enrichment Program, WLB is always looking for new ways to put this value into action. Whether through community service, charitable drives or participation in local events, WLB remains committed to deepening community engagement and making a positive impact.
