The Ikandy Foundation hosted its 10^th backpack and school supply giveaway at the First Presbyterian Church in Garland Saturday, July 31.

Ikandy is the charitable foundation of Ike Diogu, former Garland High School basketball standout. After he graduated from Garland High School, he attended Arizona State University where he earned various awards. He was then selected ninth overall in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. He went on to play for several other professional teams and was also on the 2012 and 2016 Nigerian Olympic basketball teams.

Ike’s mother, Jane Diogu, runs the foundation. She hosts the annual backpack event with the help of Mike and Becky Encinia, owners of the Rowlett Chik fil A on Highway 66, along with Bailee Stooksberry, the restaurant’s marketing director. Together the foundation and restaurant provided backpacks for 100 Garland ISD students. Cheryl Clark, member of the First Presbyterian Church, also helps with the event each year.

“Without all these people, we wouldn’t be able to gift the backpacks to GISD children. They are our lifeline,” Diogu said. “Bailee went above and beyond the call of duty at the event.”

Garland ISD board of trustees member Linda Griffin is also a great supporter of the event.

“She coordinates with the principals and counselors for picking up the backpacks and we really appreciate her help,” Diogu 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.