As summer nears its end, several local organizations wanted to make sure children and families at C+FS had what they needed to start the school year on the right foot. They organized school supplies drives at their workplaces, collecting everything from notebooks and folders to backpacks and other classroom essentials.
“The supplies donated have been such a big help to our families and will set the children up for success at the start of the school year,” shared Adriana Lis, Care Coordinator in the C+FS Preventive Program.
The response was overwhelming. Because of the generosity of these organizations and their employees, C+FS was able to distribute school supplies to children across several programs, including Foster Care, Residential, MiiWrap, Preventive Services and students at Falk School.
These donations mean one less expense for families during a time of year that can bring significant financial pressure. Some families were facing difficult choices between school supplies, new clothes, rent or even food. One caregiver told staff that receiving a backpack filled with supplies brought an incredible sense of relief. Instead of worrying about how to afford notebooks, folders and other essentials, they could focus on making the transition back to school a positive experience for their child.
“For the children, receiving a brand new backpack and supplies helped make going back to school feel special and gave them something to be proud of,” said Nicole Luko, Foster Care Program Manager. By coming together to collect supplies for local children, these local organizations did more than fill backpacks; they gave children the opportunity to begin the school year feeling confident, supported and ready to learn.
Thank you to our wonderful corporate friends and donors: Bureau Veritas, Cannon Heyman and Weiss, Howard Hanna, Metro Roberts Realty, Orchard Park Congregation at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Person Centered Services, Roswell Park Care Network, Stark Tech, State Farm Orchard Park and Swoon Buffalo.