Annual Back-to-School Drive
Backpacks, supplies, food, activities, and resources that help students begin the school year ready.
See the 2026 recapIn honor of Juandrell “Drell” Lewis
The Drell Legacy Foundation
Continuing the Legacy. Serving the Community.
Rooted in Detroit, we carry forward a spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion by uplifting youth, supporting families, and bringing neighbors together through service.
New Community Giveaway
$150 Foot Locker Giveaway
Know a deserving student who could use a little extra support? Nominate them today.
We’re not done yet!
$150 Foot Locker Back-to-School Giveaway
Thanks to a generous donation, The Drell Legacy Foundation is giving $150 in Foot Locker gift cards to a student in need.
Thanks to a generous donation, The Drell Legacy Foundation is giving one deserving student $150 in Foot Locker gift cards. If you know a young person who could use a little extra support, submit a nomination below.
Entries are accepted only through TheDrellLegacyFoundation.org.
One Student$150One Winner
Nominate a student
How selection works
Entries will be reviewed privately by The Drell Legacy Foundation. One recipient will be selected based on the information submitted. Social media likes, shares, comments, and follower counts will not determine the winner.
Official Giveaway Rules
- No purchase or donation necessary.
- Approximate retail value: $150.
- One recipient will receive $150 in Foot Locker gift cards.
- Parent or guardian participation is required for minors.
- Only one entry per student.
- Entries must be truthful and complete.
- The Foundation may disqualify duplicate, fraudulent, or incomplete entries.
- The recipient will be contacted using the parent/guardian information provided.
- If the selected recipient cannot be reached within a reasonable period, the Foundation may select another recipient.
- Gift cards are not redeemable for cash through the Foundation.
- The giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Foot Locker, Facebook/Meta, or Instagram.
- Participation does not create any tax-deductible donation or purchase requirement.
- The Foundation reserves the right to modify or cancel the giveaway if circumstances require it.
About the Foundation
A legacy that lives through service.
The Drell Legacy Foundation was created to carry forward the generosity, leadership, compassion, and dedication to serving others embodied by Juandrell “Drell” Lewis.
We honor that spirit by creating meaningful opportunities to give, connect, and help our community thrive—one student, one family, and one act of service at a time.
Our Mission
“To ensure that the generosity, leadership, and community spirit of Juandrell ‘Drell’ Lewis continues to inspire and uplift future generations.”
Drell’s Legacy
Turning remembrance into meaningful action.
Drell’s spirit of generosity and care is the heart of this Foundation. Every gathering, partnership, and initiative is intended to extend that spirit into the future.
We believe a legacy grows strongest when a community carries it together—showing up for young people, meeting neighbors with compassion, and making service a lasting tradition.
Programs & Initiatives
Building a stronger community, together.
Our work centers on practical care, connection, and opportunity for Detroit youth and families.
Youth Support & Education
Resources and encouragement designed to help young people learn, grow, and feel supported.
Community Outreach
Responsive outreach and partnerships that connect neighbors with useful community resources.
Mentorship & Enrichment
Opportunities intended to encourage confidence, leadership, learning, and personal growth.
Service Initiatives
Hands-on efforts that bring volunteers and partners together around meaningful local needs.
Scholarship Opportunities
A future goal to expand educational opportunity as the Foundation grows its reach and capacity.
2026 event recapBack-to-School Drive Update
2026 Back-to-School Drive
A Community Coming Together
Our 2026 Back-to-School Drive was a success thanks to the incredible support of our donors, volunteers, partners, and community. Together, we were able to give back to Detroit families while continuing Drell's legacy of generosity and service.
- Date
- Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Location
- Manolo’s Park
3901 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI 48201
Thank You
We are grateful to everyone who donated school supplies, made monetary contributions, volunteered, helped with setup, distribution, cleanup, and supported the event.
Special thanks to EES Coke, where Drell worked for many years, for their generous support and assistance with the Back-to-School Drive.
Event highlights
- Free backpacks
- School supplies
- Food
- Music
- Games and activities
- Community resources
Ways to Help
Your support becomes community impact.
Donate School Supplies
Help students start prepared with new backpacks, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, rulers, erasers, and loose-leaf paper.
Arrange a supply donationVolunteer
Share your time at collections, event setup, distribution, outreach, or future community initiatives.
Tell us you’re interestedSponsor the Foundation
Businesses and organizations can strengthen our work through products, services, partnerships, or financial support.
Start a sponsorship conversationFinancial contribution notice: The Drell Legacy Foundation is currently completing its organizational and tax-exempt setup. Please contact us regarding the current tax treatment of financial contributions.
Community in Focus
Back-to-School Drive 2026
Scenes from a day of service, support, and community connection in Detroit.
Contact Us
Let’s continue the legacy together.
Have a question, an idea, or a desire to help? We would be glad to hear from you.
313-694-6963drelllegacyfoundation@gmail.comServing Detroit, Michigan