More Than 360 Gier Park Elementary School Students in Lansing Receive New Backpacks Filled With School Supplies

LANSING, Mich. – Starting off a new school year with new backpacks and school supplies can help set the tone for a successful year ahead. Students are empowered because they have the tools they need to help them do their school work.

Butzel, a pioneering Detroit-based law firm with a rich history of steering innovation since 1854, surprised more than 360 students at Gier Park Elementary School in Lansing, a Pre-K-4 school, with brand new backpacks filled with school supplies on September 25, 2024.

Butzel has been part of the Lansing community for decades and recently moved to a new, larger office across from the Capitol Building. Attorneys from the firm’s Lansing office handed out backpacks and school supplies to a gym filled with eager students.

“Gier Park Elementary School students will be on equal footing as they begin a new school year, which is very important,” said Aaron Davis, co-managing shareholder, Butzel’s Lansing office. “The children were so thankful and excited to show off their new school supplies with each other. It was an honor for us to be part of their special day.”

The Butzel Charitable Trust supports many local organizations year-round in an effort to give back to the region that it has been located in for 170 years. Notably, 2024 marks the seventh year that Butzel has partnered with the Kids in Need Foundation to bring backpacks to deserving school children.

“It is a highlight of my year to welcome students back to school with new backpacks filled with school supplies, said Paul Mersino, President and CEO, Butzel. "The expressions on their faces are priceless and their enthusiasm is heartwarming. Statistics show year after year, that parents often struggle with back-to-school expenses for their children. It is truly our honor to help offset this cost for parents. It is a privilege for us to host this backpack giveaway for students at Gier Park Elementary School.

“Butzel is proud to be part of the Lansing community,” he added. “Our new Lansing office has room to grow and is centrally located across from the Capitol Building and within walking distance of several courthouses including the Michigan Supreme Court. Butzel is committed to Michigan, our clients and the communities we serve.”