Photos courtesy of Kristina Riggs
The Ikandy Foundation hosted its 11th backpack giveaway at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Garland Saturday, July 30. Former Garland High School basketball star, Ike Diogu, gives back to the community through the Ikandy Foundation, which is run by his mother, Jane.
Ike, who played basketball at Arizona State University, won various awards as a collegiate athlete. Following college, he was selected ninth overall in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft. He first played for the Golden State Warriors then went on to play for several other pro teams. In addition, Diogu played on the 2012 and 2016 Nigerian Olympic basketball teams.
School counselors reach out to Jane with a head count of kids who need backpacks. As a result, 78 backpacks were distributed.
Photos courtesy of Kristina Riggs
Jane is motivated to continue his event so that students have what they need for a successful school year.
“If you don’t have the tools, you can’t do the job,” she said. “We make sure these kids have what they need for school.”
Mike and Becky Encinia, the owners of the Rowlett Chik fil A, along with First Presbyterian Church member, Cheryl Clark, help the Ikandy Foundation with the event every year. In addition, Garland ISD board of trustees member Linda Griffin is also a longtime supporter. Jane said that she wouldn’t be able to get the backpacks to the students without their help.
Griffin said that it’s important to make sure that students have everything they need to succeed in school.
“It’s about accomplishing it – finishing it. We all have to pitch in and help,” she said.
About Ikandy Foundation:
The mission of the foundation is to provide empowerment, resources and leadership opportunities to equip our next generation of leaders, from all walks of life, to believe, to achieve and to succeed. Through community events and charitable endowments, the foundation achieves its goals of inspiring and equipping a new generation. Each year, the foundation facilitates a number of opportunities for kids to learn to give back, grow and change for the better. For more information, visit www.ikandyfoundation.com.