This month marks semester three of Noreaga Goff’s ICare fund for the Grace B. Luhrs Elementary School Book Fair. The book fair is a time for kids to enjoy new books, posters and scented erasers in silly shapes. This fundraiser-based grant provides an opportunity for disadvantaged students to enjoy the fair with their peers.
With the most recent expansion to James Burg Elementary, and in combination with his previous work at Nancy Grayson, Goff has now extended his reach to three schools, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
In total, ICare provided funding to 40 students, a number which Goff is hoping to see increase from semester to semester.
Principal Holly Garner remains instrumental in the process of expanding ICare, helping Goff connect with new schools, parents and students. Together, she and Goff personally connect with every student and learn their stories. This part of the process is extremely meaningful to Goff, who remembers being an elementary kid in their shoes.
In an interview, he recounted stories of his own youth and the difficulties he faced from both his financial struggles and peers.
"I remember using the stove to generate heat in the house. I remember getting joked on for wearing Marc Ecko shoes to school. I remember chipping my front teeth while riding my bike and having to wear them as such for years for lack of dental insurance…I serve this population because I am them. I resonate with their traumas and shortcomings, big or small,” said Goff.
In the coming years, Goff hopes to see ICare continue to spread to more elementary schools. In his outreach, he has participated in a broadcast with SUTV. The story of his work has been picked up by more and more news publications.
The next book fair will likely take place in November. Shippensburg University students are able and encouraged to attend and relive their childhood nostalgia.
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