Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed between September 15 and October 15 to honor the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans

This year, VIDA, our Hispanic and Latino employee resource group, and Rise by Bozzuto, our social impact program, are teaming up to help students and teachers in Hispanic/Latino communities. Together, we plan to collect school supplies in our various markets—we invite you and your residents to contribute.

We ask that you help designate a collection area at your properties and use this letter template to send to your residents. We suggest you start collecting items on Monday, September 20 and end your collection on Friday, October 1 or a later date.

Here are some organizations that we are supporting:

Baltimore: Baltimore City Public Schools
Boston: Housing Families
California: Boys & Girls Club
Chicago: Cradles to Crayons
Connecticut: Boys & Girls Club
D.C. and Virginia: CASA for Children
New Jersey: WomenRising, Inc.
New York: Bronx Career College Preparatory
Philadelphia: Cradles to Crayons
Seattle: Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness
South Florida: Lincoln-Marti Schools

If you have any questions, reach out to your region's Rise Community Champion. Not sure who your Community Champion is? Find them at the bottom of this page.