Swansea Woman to Help Uvalde Mother’s Mission in Donating Gifts to Students

After the nightmare unfolded in Uvalde, Texas, one mother wanted to bring a ray of light to the students at Robb Elementary School during this dark time.

Now, one Swansea woman is getting on board with “Activity Totes for Texas” in hopes of helping her friend’s mission succeed.

Kaity Kelsey’s Mission

Nicole Pacheco of Swansea is a consultant for Usborne Books & More, a distributor that sells children’s books all over the country. Kaity Kelsey is part of a consulting team for Usborne in Uvalde, Texas, and has a son that attends Robb Elementary School. Kelsey's son was unharmed, but the impact of that horrible day weighed heavily on Kelsey, and she wanted to give back to the families and students in her community.

“She had reached out to a team leader and said she really wanted to do something to bring some joy to the community,” said Pacheco. “We offer lots of fundraising options, so she wanted to do some type of book drive.”

Pacheco wasted no time in getting involved.

Activity Totes for Texas

The idea was presented to the consultants last week of filling tote bags with activity books and supplies to give to the students, as well as their siblings, and they were told that the goal was to have a quick turnaround.

“The children are not back in school, but it is my understanding that they will be allowed to stop by in June to gather their belongings,” Pacheco said. “We are hoping to have everything ordered by Thursday, June 1, so team members in Uvalde can stuff the tote bags and hand them out to the students when they return.”

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The original plan was to distribute maroon tote bags filled with five activity books, crayons and colored pencils, but after the influx of donations, those numbers have increased.

“I think it is up to 12 books for each child and an estimated 700 bags will be stuffed,” shared Pacheco.

Bringing Smiles During a Dark Time

“It has been so overwhelming, every time I see a donation come in, it feels so good.”

Pacheco has pledged to order all books through her Usborne Books & More site and donate 100% of the commission to cover the cost of totes, crayons and colored pencils.

“Any remaining commission will be given to the Robb School Memorial Fund,” she added on Facebook.

How to Help

Sponsor a student with a donation of $30 to supply them with a tote, activity books, colored pencils and crayons

Donate through Venmo via the @Nicole-Pacheco1 username.

All donations are needed by June 1.

The country is mourning the loss of innocent lives in Texas, and this is just one way to give back in hopes of bringing a smile to a community that’s hurting.