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Schools

Citizen of the Week: Helping Kids Go Back to School

Melville's Henry Schein company holds annual event to provide kids in need with supplies they need to be ready for class

Back to school can be stressful enough, as kids and parents rush to get all the supplies needed to make for a smooth start to the school year.

But what if you couldn't afford those supplies - the notebooks and backpacks and all the things most take for granted? Luckily, Henry Schein has the answer: leave it to us.

The Melville-based health care supply company throws a Back to School party every year. A BBQ, carnival rides, games, they're all part of the fun, but really, it's all about making 'back to school time' even more enjoyable.

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This year was the 14th annual event, and every year, Henry Schein partners with local agencies and businesses to identify 600 families in need across Long Island. The mission: give each child a care package full of back to school goodies.

"It's about really trying to help kids that need help, that would be helped out by having a fresh set of clothes to go to school, a backpack; it's really about working with kids to make them feel good about the first day of school," said Gerry Benjamin, vice president of the company.

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Each child selected provides a wish list of clothes they would like for the school year. Then Henry Schein employees head out to the stores to fill the lists. The company donates backpacks and supplies, and Firstbook.org provides books.

A positive attitude is key when September hits and the program helps to pump the children up for the new school year.

"Self confidence is at the root of a lot of children's success in school," Susan Vassallo, spokesperson for the company said. "If they feel good about themselves, chances are they're going to do well."

That's a sentiment echoed by those charged with finding the kids in need, and steering them toward the Back to School program.

"The kids feel special, they feel like they blend in, they fit in with the kids that are more fortunate than they are," said Angie Taylor with Family Service League of Suffolk County.

Benjamin said employees pay for the clothes themselves, and along with their own kids, donate their time to help run the event. Salesman and accountants turn into grillmasters and face painters, as hundreds of families come to enjoy one last blast of summer before school begins.

Nancy Geyer and her kids live in Massapequa, and times have been tough. Now they can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they'll be well armed for class.

"Money's been very tight, I haven't seen a smile on my kids face maybe since Christmas, they were worried [about] how they were going to get school supplies ... this is amazing, so amazing that I want to volunteer," Nancy said.

Nancy's daughter Jessica is heading to the 4th grade, and can't wait, especially since she'll be decked out in new clothes and a bright new backpack when she steps on the school bus.

"I'm really excited because I don't have to go shopping [now]," Jessica said.

Nor do the parents, and that puts a smile on everyone's face, and for Nancy Geyer ...

"It brings tears to my eyes," she said.

 

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