Archive Post

CSP Students Help Underserved Communities through Balance Boxes

COVID-19 has shaken the world as it swept over our country, causing many schools to shut their doors temporarily. Unfortunately, distance learning left many students from underserved communities without the necessary resources to learn and to stay engaged.

Chesapeake Science Point (CSP) students – Maya Holloman, Chloe Lee, and Madison Lee began searching for an organization that would benefit their community during these unprecedented times. They soon found “Balance Boxes” – a youth-led registered 501(c)3 non-profit that provides school-aged children 5-12 in low-income communities with enjoyable academic activities all over the world.

The CSP sophomores were soon vetted by their peers and accepted into the Balance Boxes Maryland chapter in 2020. As the students became more involved they invited CSP sophomore Alessandra Ortiz to join the organization. Holloman, now a vet in the organization advanced to the 2021 Balance Boxes executive board, and was named the Media and Community Relations Chair. The teen volunteers spend their time reaching out to companies for donations, packaging boxes and ultimately delivering them..

Balance Boxes was created by two Illinois high schoolers to help kids from underserved communities stay engaged in learning in 2020. In the organization’s first year, it has already spread to 23 states and 23 countries, donating over 5,000 boxes to underserved children, partnering with companies like LeapFrog, Toys for Tots, and Target.

During a zoom interview with the CLF Communications Department the CSP students collectively stated, “They feel very humbled to have the opportunity to give back to their community and communities around the globe and continually search for more ways to serve their community.”

How You Can Help

The CLF community can help Balance Boxes by donating games, toys, board games, and/or books that are in good condition. Monetary donations as well as donations of snacks are also appreciated. Balance Boxes is now preparing for their 1-year anniversary virtual gala, where tickets are being sold to raise money for the cause. To register for the gala visit please https://balanceboxesgala.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the organization or to volunteer, please visit www.balanceboxes.org or follow their Instagram @balanceboxesnp_md. To make a donation or become a volunteer, email Maya at maya@balanceboxes.org.