By Kayla Horton
What began as a desire among MASA staff to give back has grown into a recognized initiative making a meaningful difference across Michigan. MASA Impact, once just an idea, has now reached a significant milestone: more than 1,200 bags containing learning materials, school supplies, and/or winter weather gear delivered to students and educators statewide.
“Receiving the MASA Impact Summer Spark Packs for our students was truly incredible,” said Jennifer Page, Principal of Stottlemyer Early Childhood Center. “Early childhood programs are sometimes overlooked in larger district initiatives and funding opportunities, so this support felt especially meaningful for our Stottlemyer community. Being able to send every child home with a backpack filled with hands-on learning activities was an absolute gift. These packs help extend learning beyond the classroom and give families fun, engaging ways to continue supporting their child’s growth and development all summer long.”
On May 5, 2026, MASA staff traveled to Wayne-Westland Community Schools to deliver the fifth MASA Impact award. The district was selected through a random drawing submitted by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Angela Jefferson, with district leaders choosing to direct the award to the Early Childhood Center where it could make an immediate impact.
At the heart of the delivery were Summer Spark Packs – drawstring backpacks filled with hands-on learning supplies designed to keep students engaged throughout the summer months. For many young learners, the packs provide not only enrichment, but continued connection to learning when opportunities can otherwise be limited.
For Jennifer Page, the timing of the award could not have been more meaningful. In past years, many students had access to a summer camp experience, but recent changes to age eligibility meant that opportunity was no longer available. Recognizing both the need and the moment, Page saw the delivery as more than a distribution – she saw it as an opportunity to create something special for students and families.
“Our Stottlemyer families are always eager for opportunities to engage with their children and connect with the community,” said Page. “We wanted to build on the excitement of the Summer Spark Packs by creating an event that not only celebrated learning but also connected families with valuable community resources and enrichment opportunities. We knew many families would attend the awards assembly, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to create a meaningful experience around summer learning.”
Upon learning that the Summer Spark Packs would be delivered to her building, Page created a community-centered celebration to enhance the experience. What began as a backpack delivery grew into an Impact Summer Learning event attended by many families. After gathering in the gymnasium to receive their drawstring backpacks, students traveled throughout the school to explore a StoryWalk®, collect additional learning resources, and connect with community partners including a local gymnastics center, Lowe’s, and the Detroit Zoo – each stop adding to the excitement and support for summer learning ahead.
The event transformed a single act of giving into a shared community experience – one that amplified both the resources provided and the joy surrounding them.
An initiative that began as a simple way for MASA to give back to districts, teachers, and students is now being elevated in new and inspiring ways. This fifth Impact delivery is a powerful example of how generosity can grow when it is embraced by a community.
It reaffirms a simple but powerful truth: a single act of kindness – a single drop – can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond where it begins, reaching places and people we may never fully see, but whose Impact is deeply felt.