March 17, 2020
LeBron James’s School to Help Students During Coronavirus Pandemic
King James may not be on the court, but he’s still dishing out assists.
USA Today has reported that LeBron James has made arrangements to keep his I Promise School program’s Family Resource Center open throughout the closing of Ohio’s schools due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When Ohio governor Mike DeWine (R) announced last week that the state’s public and private schools would be closed for at least the next three weeks, James spoke with Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, about keeping the school‘s resource center open so it could still do its part in assisting the students and their families.
“‘We need to make that happen,’” Campbell told USA Today about James’s’ concern for the students. “‘We need to do whatever we can to make that happen and make these services to stay open.’”
The LeBron James Family Foundation has partnered with Smuckers and Akron Food Bank to prepare and give out care packages to the 1,443 enrolled students and their families. The packages contain food, toothpaste, and toilet paper. The center has remained open for any families that need shelter, clothing, medical care, and mental health assistance.
“Having the Family Resource Center open is just huge. I was very happy that our school system allowed us to do that,” Campbell said. “They understand the importance of that for our families. We built up this trust in having that available through the time. People are closing all over, and we’re doing the opposite.”
“My hope is life turns back to normal. But we are prepared to serve and help them through that,” Campbell said. “Depending on what happens, we’ll face it head-on.”
The LeBron James’ Family Foundation has donated more than $1 million a year to several Akron public schools to help with paying for teachers’ salaries and expanded staff so classrooms will have no more than 20 students. The money also helps with after-school programs, tutors and various resources that include food, medical care, shelter, legal aid, and career development.