The cost of purchasing school supplies can be prohibitive for many families, especially in these challenging economic times. However, Astoria Federal Savings is committed to making sure that children do not go without essential back-to-school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, and invites the community to join in its 10th annual Kids Tools for School collection drive.
Throughout August, Astoria Federal will collect new school supplies and cash donations at each of its 85 branches in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester. Astoria Federal is committed to its philosophy of “Putting people first” in the neighborhoods it serves, and will match up to $10,000 in cash donations to purchase supplies in bulk. Astoria Federal’s goal is to collect more than one ton of supplies this year.
Teachers have observed that children who start school without the necessary school supplies are often distracted, embarrassed and their learning can suffer too. “We believe that all children should have the tools they need to succeed in school so they can reach their full potential. Together, with the community’s support, we can really make a difference in hundreds of children’s lives,” said Astoria Federal Savings’ Senior VP/Director of Marketing Brian Edwards.
Since its inception a decade ago, Kids Tools for School has collected and distributed nearly 10 tons of supplies to children served by homeless shelters, social service agencies, or those experiencing temporary hardships. Last year, Edwards noted, the Kids Tools for School drive received a record-breaking number of donations and brought smiles to the faces of many children. “This year, we hope to reach out to even more children who need our help,” he said.
For more about Astoria Federal’s Kids Tools for School collection drive, visit www.astoriafederal.com.
