United Way of Long Island, in partnership with Suffolk Transportation Service, celebrated the 18th anniversary of its “Stuff-A-Bus” program by delivering school supplies to local elementary schools, ensuring thousands of children begin the school year equipped to succeed.
This annual initiative, which began in 2008 under the leadership of John Corrado, president of Suffolk Transportation Service and then president of the United Way of Long Island Board of Directors, has become a tradition of generosity throughout the community. To date, more than one million items have been distributed, supporting children from families facing economic hardship in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
This year’s delivery included backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils and other essential items students need to thrive in the classroom.
The materials were distributed to schools such as Loretta Park Elementary, Laurel Park Elementary and Cordello Avenue Elementary, as well as numerous nonprofit agencies and community organizations across Long Island.
«Education is the basis of a child’s future; However, with the average cost of school supplies, plus new clothing and shoes, well over $500 per student, too many families are forced to choose between meeting basic household needs and purchasing school supplies,” said Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island.
«Through Stuff-A-Bus and with the collaboration of numerous allies, we collected more than 25,000 items of school supplies; “This will remove a financial barrier for parents and give students the confidence and tools necessary to succeed.”
“18 years ago, our father, John Corrado, joined forces with United Way to create a fundraising initiative that would have a lasting impact on local children and their education,” said John and Joseph Corrado, vice presidents of Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.
«Today, that vision has become an event that reaches thousands of people. As a school transportation company, we are often the first friendly face students see before they go to class each morning. Thanks to Stuff-A-Bus, we can also contribute to their success once they enter the classroom. “It is something we are truly proud to be a part of.”
The Stuff-A-Bus initiative is made possible through the generosity of businesses and community partners, including Esquire Bank, Teacher’s 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.
– Organizations that received school supplies:
ABBA
CDC of LI
Christ the King Church
EAC
FCA
Head Start Nassau County
Housing Help
LIFQHC Roosevelt Clinic
Macedonia Adventist Church
TPM Church in East Meadow
Sun River Health
UWLI PowerUp!
VIBES
Wyandanch Homes & Property
– School districts that received school supplies:
Brentwood
Central Islip
Copiague
Hicksville
Island Park
South Country
Uniondale
Westbury
William Floyd
For more information about Stuff-A-Bus or how to support United Way of Long Island’s educational initiatives, visit www.unitedwayli.org/stuffabus .
