✏️ Pencils With Passion Returns to the Dominican Republic: 6,000 Pounds of Hope and Counting For the team at Pencils With Passion, every trip back to the Dominican Republic feels like coming home. What began as a simple idea—to ensure no child goes to school without the tools they need to learn—has grown into a powerful movement of generosity, consistency, and love that continues to give year after year. From Gold Award Project to Global Impact It all began as Lilly Thomson’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, created to address educational equity in the Dominican Republic. What started as one student’s vision to make learning accessible has now exploded into an ongoing mission that’s changing lives across communities. Now a student at Tulane University in New Orleans, Lilly still manages orders, contributes ideas, and helps guide the organization’s plans. Even from campus, she remains the heart behind the mission—and yes, she’s still in charge! 600 Pounds This Year. Nearly 6,000 Pounds Total. This year’s trip delivered an incredible 600 pounds of school supplies, bringing our total to nearly 6,000 pounds since our very first mission. Backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and crayons—each item may seem small on its own, but together they tell a powerful story of hope and transformation. For many families, these supplies mean one less financial burden and one more opportunity for their children to dream, learn, and thrive. Several of the students we met this year were also there during our first trip four years ago. Seeing their growth—both in confidence and education—reminds us exactly why this mission matters. A Team Fueled by Purpose This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team: Lilly Thomson, founder and heart of Pencils With Passion, who continues to guide the mission’s direction and growth. Nelson Miller, who once again led with passion and heart. Mario, our trusted attorney and translator, who bridged every language gap with compassion. And our steadfast crew — Susie, Tracey, Jeff, and Brooks — who poured their energy into every detail of the mission. With special thanks to Ken Rushing and Grindaholik Media Group, our web developer and creative partner for helping us share our story and mission with the world. Each person played a vital role in bringing hope to hundreds of children, proving that when compassion stays consistent, impact compounds. Capturing the Stories That Matter During this visit, our team recorded a series of video interviews with students, teachers, and community members. Some of these children have grown up with Pencils With Passion by their side, while others are just beginning their journey. Each shared story paints a vivid picture of how something as simple as a backpack can change a life. We’re proud to share these moments in our recap video below—showcasing the smiles, gratitude, and spirit of the communities we serve. More Than Supplies — It’s Legacy This year’s mission serves as a heartfelt reminder that generosity is a ripple that never stops moving. From Oklahoma to the Dominican Republic, your donations, prayers, and continued support are building bridges of opportunity that last for generations. Our work isn’t finished. There are still classrooms waiting, children hoping, and communities growing stronger because of your kindness. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re proving that passion—when paired with purpose—can truly change the world, one pencil at a time. ✏️❤️ Watch Videos https://pencilswithpassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pencils-2-2.mp4https://pencilswithpassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pencils-With-Passion-2.mp4

🎒 July 2025 Mission to the Dominican Republic: School Supplies for over 500 Children This July, our team — Lilly, Tracey, Jeff, and Nelson — will return to the Dominican Republic with a powerful purpose. Our mission is to deliver school supplies to students at Colegio de Christianos and Celeste de Faro for the 2025–2026 school year. Thanks to a generous donation of 300 pounds of school supplies from a wholesale partner — and continued support from private donors — we’re able to do more than ever before. This year, we’ll fill over 500 backpacks with the essentials each student needs to start the school year with confidence. 📚✏️ For many of these children, basic learning tools are not easy to come by. However, your support is helping change that — one backpack at a time. ❤️ Want to Help? If you feel led to support, here’s how you can get involved: Donate new school supplies (in-kind gifts are welcome) Give financially to help us purchase backpacks and fill them with essentials👉 [Click here to donate now] In September, we’ll personally deliver these backpacks to the students. Afterward, we’ll share photos so you can see the joy your generosity brings. This marks our third year serving students in this region. Each year, the impact grows — not just in numbers, but in hope. Because of you, Pencils with Passion is building more than backpacks. We’re building futures. Together, we’re not just giving supplies — we’re giving hope.