United Way of Long Island, in collaboration with Suffolk Transportation Service, celebrated the 17th annual edition of its “Stuff-A-Bus” program delivering school supplies to local elementary schools, ensuring thousands of children begin the school year prepared for success.
This annual initiative, which began in 2008 under the leadership of John Corrado, president of Suffolk Transportation Service and then chairman of the board of directors of the United Way of Long Island, has become a caring tradition for the entire community.
To date, more than one million school supplies have been distributed, supporting children from economically challenged families in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
This year’s delivery included backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils, scissors and other essential items that students need to do well in school.
School supplies were distributed to schools such as Loretta Park Elementary, Laurel Park Elementary and Cordello Avenue Elementary, as well as numerous nonprofits and community organizations across Long Island.
“Education is the foundation of a child’s future, but with the average cost of school supplies, including new clothes and shoes, exceeding $500 per student, too many families are forced to choose between basic household needs and school supplies,” said Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island.
“Through Stuff-A-Bus and many partners, we collected more than 25,000 school supplies, including backpacks, pencils, erasers and spiral notebooks, which will remove an economic barrier for parents and give students the confidence and tools they need to succeed,” he added.
Stuff-A-Bus is made possible through the generosity of corporate and community sponsors including Esquire Bank, Teachers’ Federal Credit Union, The Boxery, United Way of Long Island Young Professionals Network, National Grid, Newsday and dozens of local businesses, nonprofit organizations and individual donors.
“17 years ago, our father, John Corrado, partnered with United Way to create a fundraising initiative with the goal of making a lasting impact on the children of our community and their education,” said John and Joseph Corrado, assistant vice presidents of Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.
«This idea has become an event that benefits thousands of people. As a school bus company, we are often the first contact for students before school starts each day. Thanks to Stuff-A-Bus, we also feel a part of our students’ success once they get off the bus and enter the classroom. It’s a very special feeling!
The organizations that received supplies are:
– ABBA
– Assemblyman Burroughs
– CDC LI
– Circle of Hispanidad
– Copiague Library
– Faith Mission
– FREE/Forward
– Hispanic Counseling Center
– Housing Help
– Macedonia Seventh Day Adventist Church
– Options for Community Living, Inc.
– Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services, Inc.
– Soon
– Pride for Youth
– Thursday’s Child
– United Veterans Beacon House
–Wyandanch Homes
– YouthBuild Long Island
The school districts that received supplies are:
–Brentwood
– Central Islip
– Copiague
–Deer Park
– Hicksville
– Westbury
–Wyandanch
For more information about “Stuff-A-Bus” or how to support United Way of Long Island’s educational initiatives, visit www.unitedwayli.org/stuffabus .
