The air at the American Indian Community Center was filled with a palpable buzz of excitement, a collective energy of smiling faces and shared purpose. A united team of Comcast employees and AICC staff worked together across tables to fill 200 backpacks with essential school supplies before the children arrived. This highly anticipated event, a back-to-school tradition now in its second year, was a testament to the power of a shared mission and the lasting impact of giving back to the community.
A Community Hub Serving All: The American Indian Community Center
The American Indian Community Center (AICC) has served as a vital part of Spokane since its founding in 1967. What originally began as a social gathering place for urban Native Americans has since evolved into a comprehensive social service agency that now serves more than 3,200 people each year. Despite its deep-rooted history, many in the community are unaware of the center’s full scope and its many resources available to all. Stephanie Sijohn, the Executive Assistant and Special Projects Coordinator who’s been with the center for nine years, was quick to point out this informative factoid, as there tends to be a common misconception that the center only helps Native Americans.
“We actually help everyone in need,” she explained, noting that only two of their many programs and services are specifically for Native people.
The AICC’s welcoming nature is a point of pride. Sijohn fondly described their annual Trunk or Treat, which started with 40 kids during the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown significantly. True to their character, the center provides the candy for volunteers to hand out.
“It’s just in our nature,” Sijohn said. “You’re coming to our home and we’re going provide what you need to.”
Comcast: A Corporate Investing in Local Futures
On the other side of the partnership, Comcast’s Stephanie Wideman radiated enthusiasm. The Senior Human Resources Manager, who has been with the company for seven years, finds deep personal meaning in the event.
“I love what I do,” Wideman said, “Throughout the year Comcast does a few team-up events throughout the community, and this is one near and dear to my heart. As a mom, I love seeing the joy of kids being ready for school.”
This year, the initiative included a special addition: a raffle for five new laptops donated by Comcast to further support students’ education. The collaboration extends beyond this annual drive, as the AICC is also one of nearly 20 Comcast Lift Zones in Spokane. These spaces provide free Wi-Fi access for students and families, complementing the Internet Essentials program.
“Giving back to the local communities is something that’s really important to us at Comcast,” Wideman noted.
A Day of Connection and Purpose
As the doors opened and the families began to arrive to pick up their new backpacks, the true impact of the event was made evident by the delightful squeal of school children excited about their new school supplies.
Ashley Walker, a mother of three who heard about the event through Facebook, shared how much this meant to her family. “Events like these mean so much to families,” she said, as her children proudly showed off their brand new backpacks.
In the midst of the festivities, the AICC’s food bank was also open, and the sense of open-hearted community was unmistakable. At one point, a gentleman passing by paused, curious about the festivities. When asked if he was allowed to grab something to eat, an AICC staff member graciously welcomed him over.
For AICC veterans like Mary Jones, who has worked at the center for 14 years, witnessing these moments never gets old. Beaming with pride as she watched families interact with both AICC and Comcast volunteers, she echoed how far these acts of kindness go.
“These amazing events alone speak volumes on their own,” she said, a sentiment that was mirrored Comcast employees wearing matching white “Team Up!” shirts, radiating their own sense of shared purpose and pride. The day was a beautiful display of two organizations, both dedicated to the community, coming together to make a tangible difference.
The partnership between Comcast and the American Indian Community Center is more than just a donation; it’s a powerful symbol of collaboration. As the students of Spokane start a new school year, they do so with the support of two organizations that understand the importance of community, compassion, and working together. This event serves as a reminder that when companies and local nonprofits team up, they can make a genuine and lasting impact, helping to ensure that the children of Spokane are given every opportunity to succeed!
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