Lou giving a high five (and lollipop) to a young boy in Union Square Park
About the Fund
The Community Schools in the Southwest Partnership area do a lot with a little. They meet students’ and families’ basic needs such as food and clothing and healthcare, provide support for parents and families such as GED classes, and help keep kids loving learning through fun field trips, after school activities, and community building events. There is always a need for easily accessible, quickly available funding to support this work.
The Lou Packett Fund is provides that support. When the school washing machine breaks, when the food pantry needs an emergency restock of healthy food, when transportation is needed for a field trip, when families need warm clothes for the winter schools will be able to access the fund to meet these needs
The Lou Packett Fund supports the public schools in the Southwest Partnership area:
- Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary,
- Excel Academy,
- Franklin Square Elementary/Middle,
- George Washington Elementary,
- James McHenry Elementary/Middle,
- Southwest Baltimore Community School,
- Vivien T Thomas Medical Arts Academy.
Honoring Lou Packett
This Fund is named in memory of Lou Packett. Lou was a committed and passionate advocate for our neighborhoods and the people who live in them, a tireless champion not afraid to make big asks and dream big dreams, and a lifelong learner who was always happy to try and learn new things. He worked constantly for a more just, compassionate, and connected world. Lou was an organizer, a champion, and a friend.
2025 Updates
This year four local schools applied for and were awarded $1,000 grants through the Lou Packett Fund. Franklin Square Elementary/Middle hosted a Hawaiian style lunch for teachers/staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy used funds for food & supplies for their School #429 Day to celebrate student achievement, The Barrister Ball at Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary used the funds to support a photographer and chef, and James McHenry Elementary hosted a Perfect Attendance lunch for students/parents at Swill in Pigtown.
As we continue spending down these funds over the holidays, we are on track to have no funds for 2026. Please consider donating here to this vital resource for extra local school support!
