Posted on October 2, 2011 By Marisa Butler For many, the end of summer and beginning of fall can mean only one thing: back to school season. Picking out a new school bag in just the right color and filling it with new folders, pencils and other supplies has become a fundamental rite of passage for children of all ages. Unfortunately, this special tradition is absent among many of the 16,000 girls and boys residing in New York City shelters tonight. Their parents fret over how they will be able to buy even the basics to begin the year, and often the children are sent to school unprepared. For this reason, we began Project: Back to School in 2008. Over the past three years, the drive has grown from a small collection of bags at our office to become a citywide effort. Thanks to the tireless promotion of Mr. G on WPIX TV, this year’s drive was a resounding success. With Pipeline PS, Capital One Bank and the support of the United Federation of Teachers, we collected over $15,500 and distributed 3,000 bags filled with school supplies to homeless children. A portion of the funds was also used to purchase school uniforms and supplies for Bound for Success, our after-school program. A record 40 locations hosted drives including all Manhattan Mini Storage locations, which also generously provided pick-ups to the drop-off stations in the Manhattan area. The Coalition would like to thank everyone who took the time to donate funds or volunteer. We look forward to next year when we can put even more girls and boys on the path to a successful school year. Dear Project: Back to School, Thank you for getting me my book-bag and all the supplies in it. I like all of the folders, notebooks, tape, pencils, pens, sharpeners, and more. You picked the bookbag out just right. It’s just my type! I truly appreciate it, and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Love, Dee To learn more about how you can get involved, please contact us at 212-776-2112 or backtoschool@cfthomeless.org.
