WS Chronicle

The opening of school for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools is right around the corner. To help prepare students for the school year, the Kyndall Project held their fourth annual Back to School Jam at Rupert Bell Park on Aug.17.

The event has taken off since their humble beginnings four years ago. Along with giving away book bags and school supplies, there were also vendors, food, dancers and entertainers. This year the organization was able to give away over 1,100 book bags to students in the community.

The first year they gave away 160 book bags and the goal was to increase the number every year, which they have done. The organization also tries to up the ante, so to speak, with entertainment, activities and vendors as well.

“This year, we planned to still give 1,000 book bags, but what we wanted to do was expand our vendors and to expand our kids’ entertainment, and also to pack more things into the book bags this year,” said April Reich, Kyndall Williams’ mother.  

The success the nonprofit has enjoyed in their first four years has been somewhat of a surprise for Williams. The initial idea coming in was to give away a couple hundred book bags each year, they said.

“It feels really good, because I give back to my community and it helps them with things they need and that’s a good thing,” said Williams.  

Reich added, “It’s really a positive thing, because for us to be in the position that we are in and for us to grow so fast these last four years is a blessing. For the kids to give us hugs and the parents to say thank you is so positive. A lot of people see her (Williams) and know this is not a one-time thing, it’s something we don’t stop.”

Williams is not alone in her efforts to help the community. The Dream and Believe Team (DBT) is comprised of five young ladies, including Williams. Their mission is to spread the word about entrepreneurship, how to stay positive, and how it’s never too early to start helping others.

“You are never too old or young to start helping others in need and to start living your dreams,” said Desiree Terrell, a member of the DBT.  

Julianni Terrell, also a DBT member, said, “It’s never too early to start dreaming big.”

The young ladies talk about the Kyndall Project to all their friends in hopes of getting more people involved in the giving back process. They feel it is inspiring for others to see them giving back to the community at such a young age.

Since many young ladies their age are more concerned with other things than giving back to their peers, the DBT have made quite the impression on their parents with their efforts to help others.

“I am extremely proud of my girls, as well as Kyndall, because this is something Kyndall brought to us and said ‘Hey, I don’t want to do this by myself, I want to bring along my family and friends,’” said Ashley Thompson, mother of Desiree and Julianni.  

“When Kyndall started this, I always told her she was going to need help, because you can’t do everything by yourself,” said Reich. “We just always keep God first in our organization; whatever we do, we keep God first. If we don’t keep God first, then everything else will fall apart and I know it’s God’s will, because He has enhanced this every year.”

The ladies of the Kyndall Project have big plans moving forward. They plan to use their platform to hopefully have a headquarters to assist even more people than they already do.